MORE than 40 local food producers will be showcasing their goods at a 'Meet the Buyer' event being held at the Hatherleigh Community Centre on September 4.

The event is being held as part of West Devon's Food Fortnight and leading up to the Tavistock Food Festival — West Devon mayor Cllr Alison Clish-Green will be opening the show.

There will be a wide variety of produce available to taste and buy including goats cheeses, tangy chutneys, preserves and delicious jams at the show, which runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm.  

Cllr Clish-Green said: 'This is a chance to celebrate the wonderful range of products available in West Devon and to recognise the importance of this sector to our local economy.'

Twinks Read of Willow Tree Farm, who produces jams and chutneys, said: 'This event is excellent for local producers like myself to get our products tasted by so many new customers.

'Last year the event was great.

'Lots of local people and holiday-makers visited and took the opportunity to try new tastes and all the products were local which gave an added experience to their holiday.

Jane Barber of Lovaton Farm Traditional Breeds exhibited last year and will be coming back again.

She said: 'This event is firmly in my calendar as last year I had a great time making new leads and meeting new customers which have continued throughout the year. I hope to make even more sales leads this year.

Robin Deitch, Food & Drink Devon network co-ordinator, said: 'These events were a great success last year with producers benefiting from many new sales leads. Both events are a great opportunity to network with like minded businesses and show how important local food is to the region.'

The event is organised by Food & Drink Devon who offer business support and training opportunities to small scale local food and drink producers throughout Devon.

The Food & Drink Devon Network Development Project is funded by Greater Dartmoor LEAF, incorporating funding from the EU, Defra, SWRDA and LEADER and West Devon Borough Council, South Hams District Council, Teignbridge District Council and Food & Drink Devon.