MORE than 30 local food and drink producers will be showcasing their goods at a Free Food and Drink Devon event being held in affiliation with the Ruby Country Partnership at Cookworthy Forest Centre, Beaworthy, on September 2 from 10.30am to 3.30pm. 

The event offers a great opportunity to get to know where local food comes from and how to save on food miles by supporting local businesses. There will be a wide variety of produce to taste and buy, including cheeses, chutneys, beef and lamb, preserves, jams, cakes and pastries, wine and cider.  

This free event, with refreshments and light lunches available, is open to both the public and commercial buyers and will be especially useful for hotels, B&Bs and restaurants to source new products for their menus - 'Local Food' is definitely what visitors to the region want to eat.

As the event is to be held at the end of the summer holidays there will be entertainment for children as well as free walks around the forest, woods and streams. Linda Davies of the Ruby Country Initiative and owner of West Lake Farm recognises Cookworthy Forest is vitally important to visitors and locals alike.

'We know that local food is one of the main reasons people come to Devon and hospitality businesses that use local food benefit from enhancing the visitor experience making them want to return time and time again. This event will be a great opportunity for local businesses to source new products for their menus.'

Robin Deitch, Food and Drink Devon Network co-ordinator said: 'The previous Food and Drink Devon events have been a great success, with over 3,700 happy visitors enjoying the latest one. The producers all benefited from making new long term sales leads. These 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 the Ruby Country Partnership and Food and Drink Devon who offer business support and training opportunities to small scale local food and drink producers throughout Devon.