Last updated at 08:52, Friday, 17 February 2012

CUMBRIAN food will be on the menu at a regional trade show.

As part of Cumbria Tourism’s regional and national campaign, Taste Cumbria is taking its festival on tour this March.

A selection of 11 of the county’s best-known food brands will feature at the Pop-Up festival within the North of England’s premier hospitality showcase, the Northern Restaurant and Bar show.

Held at Manchester Central on March 12 and 13, the trade show will feature a Taste Cumbria pavilion, featuring a selection of iconic brands such as Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Company, Hawkshead Brewery, Hawkshead Relish Company and More? Artisan Bakery. 

The eleven producers have been cherry-picked to demonstrate to the key decision makers, buyers and distributors in the North of England’s food and drink industry.

Some of Cumbria’s top chefs will be on hand, in an exclusive demo kitchen at the Taste Cumbria pavilion, to showcase a series of Cumbrian-inspired menus.

Mary Houston, food tourism manager at Cumbria Tourism, said: “Tourism is one of the mainstays of Cumbria’s economy and food and drink is a thriving, dynamic segment of this sector. But why keep our unique and delicious local produce, passionate suppliers and service providers to ourselves?!

“Whilst we can't bring our stunning, rural backdrop to the rest of the world, we can demonstrate the quality and integrity that runs rich in our area. We're delighted to attend NRB 2012 with some of the county's most iconic, distinctive food brands.’’

Taste Cumbria is a food and drink tourism development plan hosted by Cumbria Tourism, funded by the RDPE (Rural Development Programme for England ) provided through Defra and part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The project’s main focus is the inaugural Taste Cumbria festival in September each year, in the town of Cockermouth, but also includes workforce development activity, cluster working, marketing, PR and event support.

Hawkshead Relish is one Cumbrian firm known for its championing of British produce.

Export manager Kate Nicholson said: ‘’Under the umbrella of Taste Cumbria we are delighted to be exhibiting the Hawkshead Relish range of award winning preserves at NRB.

“The event will highlight the diversity, ethos and culinary creativity that exists among the many acclaimed Cumbrian food and drink producers, which are available for the hospitality sector.’’

First published at 08:51, Friday, 17 February 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk