Buyers from the cruise industry, hospitality and beyond met food and drink producers from across the region at the Central South Food and Drink Trade EXPO.
The event, which is organised by Business South in association with partners including Hampshire Fare, Carnival UK, Comax, Cavendish Ships Stores, Polymedia PR and marketing, and Hilton Southampton Utilita Bowl, attracted 400 people through the door to the produce showcase event.
Buyers including major names such as Carnival UK, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Marwell Zoo and Dike & Son Ltd attended the event alongside 70 producers of everything from cheese and gelato to chocolate and spicy sauces.
The day got underway with a welcome from Business South CEO Leigh-Sara Timberlake. She said: “Over the years we’ve had brilliant stories of how producers have had their companies transformed as a result of meeting buyers who came to this show.
“Mike Smales’ Lyburn cheese is on the cruise ships departing from Southampton as a direct result of talking to the cruise buyers here – and orders from pubs and restaurants across the region are regularly secured at this event.
Nick Wenman, Chair of Wine GB, explained English wine was now established as a premium product, with 10m bottles of wine produced every year. He encouraged hotels and restaurants to sell English wine by the glass to support the homegrown wine industry.
Kate Nicholls, OBE, Chair of UKHospitality joined the conference via video link and stressed a collaborative approach that encompassed the farm to fork initiative, with local food and drink producers and the hospitality sector, was the way forward.
In Hampshire and the South-East, the hospitality sector accounts for 1 in 7 jobs and nationally generates £146 billion. Kate shared she was talking to the government about the scale of the sector and the potential for growth – a predicted 10 per cent growth could bring substantial receipts for the Exchequer.
A round table discussion with leading hoteliers and hospitality providers was held during the day so Kate Nicholls could hear first hand from businesses across the region. The session was chaired by Natasha Dochniak, Hampshire Fare’s Commercial Manager.
The day came to a close with the presentation of the Central South Food & Drink Trade EXPO awards.
Taste of the Region Award sponsored by Hampshire Fare CIC and the winner was Bon & Rose.
Inspiration Award sponsored by Polymedia and the winner was Zaman Condiments and Sauces
Passion Behind the Product Award sponsored by Paris Smith LLP and the winner was Two&One olive oil.
Brand & Packaging Award sponsored by Cavendish Ships Stores Ltd and the winner was New Forest Shortbread Ltd. Stand Out Stand Award sponsored by Comax UK and the was Moon Roast Coffee.
