76 days to go

Suppliers Showcase exhibition attracts buyers for local produce

18 January 2012

Food buyers and procurement managers from across Hampshire and the South attended the Business Solent Suppliers Showcase, held in Southampton on Tuesday 17 January, with the key objective of sourcing more local food and drink for their business.

Over 30 local producers, the majority members of county food group Hampshire Fare, were represented, showcasing local meat, vegetables, cheese, eggs, cakes and biscuits, watercress products, icecream, yoghurt and cream, confectionery, wine, apple juice, bottled water and more.

Around 200 food buyers attending represented companies including Carnival UK, Southampton Football club, Saga Shipping Ltd, Baxter Storey for NATS, City College Southampton, Forestdale Hotels, Sparsholt College, Upton McGougan, Careers Development Group, as well as independent shops and delis such as Bay Leaves in Chandlers Ford and event organisers such as the Jubilee Sailing Trust Autumn Pumpkin Festival.

Buyers were able to meet with the individual producers, sample their range of food and drink and discuss business opportunities face to face.

Hampshire Fare Chairman Mike Wright said: "This Suppliers' Showcase has been a terrific opportunity for our Hampshire Fare members to demonstrate the range and quality of their products. It is great to hear such complimentary comments from food buyers who've attended about the local produce available".

The exhibition was organised by Business Solent in conjunction with Hampshire Fare, and was supported by Hampshire County Council, Cavendish Ships Stores and De Vere Grand Harbour, the event venue.

Sally Lynskey, CEO of Business Solent added: "The Suppliers event is a great showcase for local producers and an important event in the business calendar. Each year we have more stories of business being done as a result of this event and we are delighted to support it. These producers offer a consistently high standard of goods, and the region should be proud of their contribution to the local culture and economy".

You can request Hampshire Fare’s new 2012 free Directory of Local Produce by calling 01962 846509. Business Solent is a Corporate Friend of Hampshire Fare.

Photo: Business Solent Suppliers’ Showcase event sponsors L to R: De Vere Hotel Conference & Banqueting Manager Mitat Saribiyik, Cavendish Ship Stores Director John Davey, Hampshire County Councillor Ray Ellis, Business Solent CEO Sally Lynskey, Hampshire Fare Chairman Mike Wright and De Vere Hotel Restaurant Manager Dilip Damodaran.

Links: