Brexit might be “almost over the line” as far as the politicians are concerned, but with trade details still to be hammered out, leading to potential hold ups and tariffs for both imports and exports over the next year or so, organisations involved in the West Country food and drink sector are urging businesses in the hospitality sector to “source local”.
Hale Events, organisers of next week’s Source trade show, which takes place at Westpoint, near Exeter, from 5th to 6th February, say that the only sure way to ensure continuity of supplies – and guarantee costs going forward – is to buy from one of the huge range of quality producers who will be at their show.
“We’ve got over 200 exhibitors from the South West and beyond at the event,” says Mike Anderson, MD of Hale Events, “all ready to ‘step up to the plate’ and offer local businesses the very freshest quality foods and state-of-the-art equipment. This is the perfect opportunity to check out your supply options, compare prices and quality, and build new contacts.”
The Source trade show has long been the South West’s go-to show for all things comestible and potable, and from premium lemonades and small-batch gins through to artisan chutneys, charcuteries and candied jalapenos – not forgetting environmentally-friendly packaging and serving items – everything will be on display in one place over the two days.
“The South West is the beating heart of the nation’s tourism and hospitality industry,” continues Mike, “and with such a wealth of suppliers locally there’s really no need to look anywhere else.”
The show’s partners are Taste of the West – the countries largest regional food and drink trade organisation – and more of their members will exhibiting at the Source than at any other trade show. The West Country Tourism Conference runs alongside the event, and is aimed at helping those in the food, drink and hospitality sectors to build on their business success. This year it will be focusing on “Tourism Ideas and Excellence” as well as “Marketing, Digital and PR”.
Novel recipes for success will also be served up regularly in the “Innovation Kitchen”, provided by Sapphire Spaces, where oodles of inspiration, advice and culinary innovation will be on display courtesy of inspiring local chefs and Exeter Cookery School, as well as the winners of the South West Chef of the Year.
To register for the show, go to: thesourcetradeshow.co.uk/visitor-registration. You can also follow news on the show on Twitter at @SourceFoodDrink . For more details about the conference please visit www.westcountrytourismconference.org.uk.
