Hampshire Fare, the county food and drink group, visited the Isle of Wight last week for a special road tour and networking event.
Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, welcomed everyone to the networking event held at Caffe Isola in Newport on Wednesday 24th November.
Products from the mainland were showcased at the event, among them Cold Pressed Oil Company’s oils and dressings, Powder Monkey’s beers, South Downs natural mineral water, Summerdown’s chocolate bars, and Wheatsheaf Farming’s Spelt Flour.
In addition, Isle of Wight products included Calbourne Classics’ cakes, The Tomato Stall’s sauces and condiments, and Isle of Wight Distillery’s gins. Guests also had a chance to learn more about Island Roasted coffee from aficionado Dan Burgess – a man who certainly knows his beans!
Tracy said:
“What a joy to be here, finally! We originally planned this visit for June 2020, however, due to the pandemic, that visit never happened. So, it has been fantastic to tour the island, meeting some of the outstanding producers and chatting with inspirational chefs.
“I want to thank Caffe Isola for hosting our networking event. It has also provided us with the opportunity to marvel at the work that has been undertaken to restore and refurbish this much-loved building in Newport, previously Beavis cookware and gift store.”
A highlight of the evening was a prize draw with Duncan Smith of Medina Foodservice winning a bottle of Hambledon Première Cuvée, generously donated by NFU Mutual Isle of Wight, New Forest and Bournemouth.
John Heather, NFU Mutual Isle of Wight, New Forest and Bournemouth, was invited to address members. John said:
“NFU Mutual values working with Hampshire Fare – a regional food group that works hard to help develop local producers, linking them up with business opportunities. It is also evident that more people are shopping at independent stores that support local producers as we all become more aware of the need to help make a positive social, economic and environmental contribution.”
