TASTE OF THE WEST TRADE SHOW SET TO TAKE
SOUTH WEST FOOD TO ANOTHER LEVEL

Taste of the West and Hale Events are pleased to announce a new trade-only exhibition designed to showcase the outstanding quality, diversity and richness of food and drink from the South West, providing a truly unique buying opportunity for retail buyers (from farm shops to delicatessens and tourist attractions to supermarkets), the food service sector (cafes, restaurants and hotels) and procurement buyers representing the public sector.

The Taste of the West Trade Show, taking place from 21st-22nd April 2008 at Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter, will provide an ideal opportunity for such buyers to respond to increased consumer demand for locally produced, quality produce by sourcing some of the UK’s finest food & drink from a broad selection of South West producers, all in one location. Replacing the successful Select Food and Drink trade show, organised by Hale Events, the show is ideally timed to both pick up new lines for the summer and develop strong relationships with new suppliers.

John Sheaves, Chief Executive, Taste of the West, said ‘At Taste of the West we know that increasing consumer demand to source local and regional products is directly resulting in retail, foodservice and procurement trade buyers contacting Taste of the West for help. As such, Taste of the West is delighted to be working with Hale Events in the organisation of such a regionally focussed trade event that will bring buyers and suppliers together and we are very much looking forward to a successful trade show for everyone involved.’

The organisers, Hale Events Ltd, are pleased to be working in partnership with Taste of the West, whose vision is to champion the region’s exceptional food and drink identity. As the UK’s leading food producing region, the Westcountry provides the perfect setting for such an event that will help the industry respond to consumer driven demand for quality food and drink, within both the traditional food and drink sectors and the thriving tourism industry.

Established in 1991, Taste of the West has helped highlight the South West’s dynamic and expanding food and drink industry and now represents over 750 member businesses across a wide variety of product sectors, many of whom will be represented at the show, in addition to other South West producers, distributors & wholesalers. The show will also incorporate a seminar area, where exhibitors and buyers can benefit from expert knowledge and learn about subjects such as sustainable packaging, export and market insights.
Jane Pyatt, Director, Hale Events, said ‘we are very excited about this development and look forward to working closely with Taste of the West to provide the South West with a high quality and broad-based food and drink event for the trade buyer’.
Buyers will have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s finest products including its justly famous dairy & meat products including traditional cheddars, premium ice-creams, as well as its beef, lamb and pork. Also on show will be beautifully presented jams, wild honey, pickles & preserves, handmade biscuits, luxury chocolates, fine wines, liqueurs, and, of course, the region’s fish & shellfish offerings, in addition to a wide range of other local produce.
With such exceptional produce all within one hall, making a visit manageable in one day, the buyer will experience not only the rich variety of foods produced in this special part of the country, but the common commitment of so many of the region’s producers to offering their customers food of consistently high quality. The collection of exhibitors will range from established businesses supplying to outlets nationwide to smaller home industries looking to expand their customer base, so providing an ideal platform to develop key relationships with motivated suppliers.

The Taste of the West Trade Show is strictly for trade only buyers who can register online to receive pre-show information and a free entry badge, with Taste of the West members receiving a preferential exhibition rate. To register, please visit the exhibitor section of the show’s website www.tasteofthewesttradeshow.co.uk.
Ends

FACT FILE
WHAT: Taste of the West Trade Show 2008
WHEN: Monday 21-Tuesday 22 April 2008
WHERE: Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter
CONTACT: Hale Events Ltd
TEL: 01934 733 433
FAX: 01934 733 233
E-MAIL: mail@hale-events.ltd.uk
WEB: www.tasteofthewesttradeshow.co.uk
OPENING TIMES: Monday 21 April 10.00 – 18.00
Tuesday 22 April 10.00 – 17.00
PRE-REGISTRATION: Open to trade visitors only. Trade buyers can register free at:
www.tasteofthewesttradeshow.co.uk