Marketing Lancashire has announced plans for the county’s first ever Taste Lancashire food and drink conference. Taste Lancashire 2017 will bring together food entrepreneurs, retail bosses, agricultural leaders, international trade experts and influencers from the hospitality industry to challenge, inspire and celebrate Lancashire’s food economy with the county’s food & drink sector. Developed in partnership with the Department for International Trade, the innovative event will take place on Wednesday 6th September at Holmes Mill, a vibrant food destination inside a former textile mill in Clitheroe.
Food writer and broadcaster Jay Rayner will be the key note speaker at the event with further speakers and participants revealed in the coming weeks. In addition to case studies, expert panels and debates on the future of Lancashire food and drink, there will be a Taste Exchange Market, showcasing some of Lancashire’s new and export-focused food businesses.
Ruth Connor, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire says, “Lancashire food and drink is amongst the best in the world, it is a key strength of ours and an important part of the Lancashire story. We are very proud of our food heritage and those who ensure our great food traditions continue. We are also quick to champion those entrepreneurs who create new and exciting products that inspire our palates, help sustain our local economy and attract visitors to our hospitable and welcoming county.
“Through our Taste Lancashire campaign this event aims to bring together the food and drink community, in all its forms, from farmer and producer to retailer and restaurateur, as we explore what it is that makes a place a must-visit foodie destination, hear more about export opportunities, and learn ways that together, will increase the profile of our incredible food and drink offer, grow business and attract more visitors to Lancashire.”
Holmes Mill, venue for Taste Lancashire 2017, is a new £10million development by Lancashire-based hospitality group James’ Places comprising a Beer Hall which houses what is believed to be the longest bar in the North of England, the Bowland Brewery, function rooms, café, gelateria and food hall, as well as a 38-bedroom hotel due to open late summer.
Food and drink is worth around £734 million to Lancashire’s visitor economy, which has grown by £129 million over the last 6 years. The sector also supports an estimated 13,000 food and drink related jobs in Lancashire.
Lynne Gillen, International Trade Team Leader, for the Department for International Trade said, “It is a real pleasure to be working in partnership with Marketing Lancashire to champion the region’s talented food and drink companies. By sharing the experiences of companies already active in international markets, this event will demystify the process of selling overseas and open up a whole world of opportunity for Lancashire.”
Taste Lancashire 2017 is proud to be working in association with BOOST, Lancashire’s business growth hub and Burnley-based Coolkit, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of fridge van conversions. The event is generously supported by Holmes Mill, part of the James’ Places Group.
Taste Lancashire 2017
Holmes Mill, Clitheroe
Wednesday 6th September 9.30am – 4.30pm
Tickets: £40, (£25 for Members of Marketing Lancashire)
Includes lunch and refreshments
Buy tickets online at marketinglancashire.com
#TasteLancs17
