Preparations are underway for Business South’s popular Local Produce Trade Show 2024.
The showcase event for delicious food and drink produced across the region will take place on Tuesday 6th February 2024 at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton.
The aim is to bring together buyers from the cruise industry, hospitality and beyond to feast their eyes on the very best locally produced food and drink.
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, and sponsored by Cavendish Ships Stores, Carnival UK, First Stop Catering and Hygiene Supplies, Hampshire Fare, Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association and Surrey Hills Enterprises, aims to support the local and rural economies whilst developing food and drink supply chains.
Leigh Sara Timberlake, Business South Group CEO, explained: “The Local Produce Trade Show is a highlight of our year and we are proud to champion the important part our local producers play in the prosperity of the region.
“It has been gratifying to see business being done and everything from cheese and beer to locally smoked trout appearing on the menus of cruise ships and top local restaurants as a direct result of this show.”
Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager at Hampshire Fare, said: “ The Local Produce Trade Show is one of the highlights of the calendar year for producers to connect with buyers from the hospitality industry.
“We also invite chefs from across the county to come and tell us what they’re looking for and why they use local.”
More than 60 local producers are expected to take part in 2024 and the ever popular chef’s panel, with top names from the regional culinary scene, will also make a welcome return.
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. A wonderful event and we are really looking forward to 2024’s show.’
If you’d like to find out more about exhibiting – FIND DETAILS HERE
If you’re a buyer who would like to attend for FREE – FIND DETAILS HERE
*This event is free to attend for genuine food and drink buyers. It is important to us and our exhibitors that only genuine buyers attend this event and anyone found to be in attendance for other purposes, e.g. directly selling to the exhibitors may be asked to leave.*
To whet your appetite, please see below video highlights from this year’s Local Produce Trade Show:
