NORTH EAST FOOD PRODUCERS SHOW THE NORTHUMBRIA FLAG IN SCOTLAND (February 2008)

Eight regional food producers took part in a three-day Speciality and Fine Food Fair in Glasgow in late January under the banner of Northumbria Larder, which leads the North East England Food and Drink Group.

The brand new show, which combined a previous speciality food fair in Edinburgh with Scotland’s Food Fair, Spring, was held in the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC), and attracted 150 exhibitors, mainly from Scotland, but also lively contingents from the Isle of Man and North East England.

Regional producers who took part in the event were:

Oleifera Rapeseed Oil, Belford, Northumberland; Burtree Puddings, Darlington, County Durham; Chain Bridge Honey Farm, Horncliffe, Berwick, Northumberland; Gilchester Organics, Hawkwell, Stamfordham, Northumberland; Jenkins and Hustwit, Bishop Auckland, County Durham; Loopy Lisa’s Fudge, Evenwood, County Durham; Trees Can’t Dance, Coanwood, Haltwhistle, Northumberland; and Wildon Grange, Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Together they created a diverse and wholesome range of produce which attracted buyers from delis and farm shops all over the UK, including the Highlands of Scotland and the Isle of Skye, as well as London and the South East of England.

Lisa Wilson, sales and marketing manager of Oleifera Rapeseed Oil, who attended the three-day show, said: “ There was a lot of interest in our product. At present we have only one stockist in Glasgow, but I’m sure we’ll be getting several new customers as a result of us taking part.” She had words of praise for Northumbria Larder staff who organised the regional producers’ stands. “They were excellent, as usual.”

Ann Hustwit, who runs Jenkins and Hustwit, of Bishop Auckland, who make handmade, luxury fruit cakes and puddings, said not only had she met existing customers at the show, which was always good for cementing relationships, she was hopeful of getting some worthwhile new business in Scotland. “For a first effort in new surroundings I thought the event went well, and I would certainly support it in future.”

Michael McCallum, Business Development Manager for Northumbria Larder, said:
“ The North East was the only English food group to be represented at the fair, and our producers did us proud. Their stands were very professional and inviting and stood well alongside some better-known, stronger brands. The event showed how far the North East has come over the past few years.”