Buyers with a passion for local delicacies flocked to the Hilton Southampton-Utilita Bowl yesterday (Feb 6th 2024) to meet with producers and place valuable orders.
The aim of the Local Produce Trade Show is to bring together buyers and producers to do business with the top hotels, restaurants and other organisations across the Central South region.
Since it started in 2007, the event has generated many thousands of pounds of sales for local producers and allowed buyers to proudly fly the flag for the region.
The event, which is organised by Business South in partnership with Hampshire Fare, and sponsored by Cavendish Ships Stores, Carnival UK, First Stop Catering and Hygiene Supplies, Hampshire Fare, Hilton Southampton-Utlita Bowl, Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association, Alecta Technical Solutions, Enterprise South and Surrey Hills Enterprises, aims to support the local and rural economies whilst developing food and drink supply chains.
A chef’s panel in the morning focused on how local producers can get their items on the menus of leading hotels, restaurants and other organisations. The consensus was that quality trumps price when it comes to choosing to use local produce.
The panel discussion was hosted by Charlotte Thomson, First Stop Catering & Hygiene Supplies and Andrew Cole, Cavendish Ship Stores and featured:
- Andrew Gault Executive Head Chef, Steree Pub Co
- Jamie Holmes, Executive Head Chef, Hilton Southampton-Utilita Bowl
- Matt Whitfield, Executive Chef, Ideal Collection
- Simon Hartnett, Executive Head Chef, Queens Hotel Portsmouth
- Martin Dawkins, The Rustic Chef
- Jacob Rowley, Head Chef Oakley Hall
Leigh Sara Timberlake, Business South Group CEO, said: “We really do love the Local Produce Trade Show – it is such a positive event for our region and we get to showcase truly delicious food and drink produced on our doorstep.
“It is so gratifying to hear from the producers how this event has led to significant orders being placed and long-lasting business relationships being formed.”
During the afternoon a second panel discussion took place focusing on skills. Among the panel members was 10-year-old Robin from St Francis Church of England Primary School, Chandlers Ford who attended with Head Teacher Dawn Francis. He melted the hearts of everyone in the room when he shared his ambition to follow in his Dad’s footsteps to become a chef.
The skills panel discussed what more can be done to promote hospitality as a career choice and Herbert Berger shared some of the famous names who have sampled his cooking including royalty and celebrities,
- Andrew Gault Executive Head Chef, Street Pub Co
- Jamie Holmes, Executive Head Chef, Hilton Southampton-Utilita Bowl
- Dawn Harrison, Head Teacher, St Francis Church of England Primary School, Chandlers Ford
- Emma Hunt, first generation farmer, Dandys Ford Dairy, Romsey
- Herbert Berger, Retired Michelin Chef
Natasha Dochniak, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, the county food, drink and craft group, said: “It was my first Local Produce Trade Show and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
“It was great to see so many Hampshire Fare members showcasing their products and I really enjoyed hosting the skills panel. I am looking forward to working in partnership with Business South to ensure this event goes from strength to strength.”
Andrew Cole, Managing Director of Cavendish Ships Stores Ltd, said: “Cavendish has long been a sponsor of the Local Produce Trade Show and each year I’m amazed by the breadth and superb quality of F&B products that are available right on our doorstep. Being able to offer our discerning customers such desirable products, and to do so more sustainably, is a must-do strategy for Cavendish.”
Charlotte Thomson, General Manager at First Stop Catering and Hygiene Supplies, said: “First Stop are proud to be sponsoring the local Produce Trade Show for 2024.
“First Stop have attended every LPTS from the start and thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere, the great business connections made, all the amazing local produce on show and especially the fantastic, passionate suppliers.”
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