Trade show run by Hampshire Fare and Business South features New Forest food and drink producers

A HOST of New Forest food and drink producers took part in a trade show run by Hampshire Fare and Business South.

This year’s fair was held at Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl, with more than 60 artisan producers showcasing their goods to buyers from hospitality, leisure and retail.

Of these were New Forest businesses including Calshot-based Fabulous Catch Company, New Forest Shortbread in Burley, Standing Hat at Brockenhurst, Boldre-based 820 Spirits, and the New Forest Fruit Company in East Boldre.

Local chefs taking part in the Chefs’ Panel included Andrew Gault, of the Steree Pub Company based in Lyndhurst, while retired Michelin-starred chef and New Forest resident Herbert Berger provided anecdotes in the new Skills Panel.

The event was originally established by Business South in support of the cruise sector, however over the years the show’s remit has broadened and now enables local produce to be showcased to a wide audience.

Business South supports business leaders, public bodies, and educators to drive growth and innovation across the central south of England.

Hampshire Fare, a not-for-profit supporting over 350 members, encompassing food, drink and craft producers, hospitality businesses, and independent retailers, has been involved in the trade fair since its inception 16 years ago.

Natasha Dochniak, commercial manager at Hampshire Fare, said: “It was great to see so many Hampshire Fare members showcasing their products and I really enjoyed hosting the Skills’ Panel.

“My three Ps of Hampshire Fare - people, produce and passion - shone through as a recurring theme among panellists.

“We are extremely lucky to have so much incredible local produce here on our doorstep and today was a shining example of that.”

Tracy Thew, of New Forest Shortbread, said the event was an “excellent opportunity” to meet buyers face to face and learn from them what they need.

“As a small producer, it is so important to get that interaction and hear what customers want,” she said.

Leigh Sara Timberlake, CEO of Business South, 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.

“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.”

New to this year’s event was the Skills Panel, which shone a spotlight on a range of food-related experiences through the ages.

The panel was made up of Dawn Harrison, head teacher of St Francis Primary School in Eastleigh; pupil Robin Ashleigh who aspires to be a chef; first-generation farmer Emma Hunt, of Dandys Ford Dairy in Romey, and Herbert Berger, a retired Michelin Star chef who cooked for high profile guests, among them HM Queen Elizabeth II, Tina Turner and Mick Jagger.

For more information about Hampshire Fare, visit hampshirefare.co.uk