There has been a silence from the current organisation about the future of the South West regional food group, but it is now public knowledge that administrators have been appointed to secure a future for this highly valued brand, that has so positively reflected the food and drink strengths of the South West region locally, nationally, and internationally since 1991.
A group of passionate and highly motivated professionals, including experienced business owners, food producers, sales, marketing and branding experts, as well as consumer and trade event organisers, are actively seeking to find a way to rescue Taste of the West and then take it onto new and greater heights.
Chris Milton, former Thatchers Cider Sales Director: “The food and drink sector in the South West is one of the most important economic sectors. At a time when owning and growing your own business has never been more challenging, Taste of the West needs to exist to provide a collaborative environment that allows members to lead that higher level representation and to have access to individuals like me, who have a successful track record in the industry.”
Former SPAR U.K. Managing Director, Jerry Marwood, comments “Collaborative working across the food sector is vital for our region. ToTW has historically provided the energy for businesses to share best practice and its paramount that we protect and develop this culture”
James Simpson, CEO of The FSC Group, and Co-Founder of Somerset Charcuterie: “Taste of the West has been a great organisation to be part of and I believe that it has the opportunity to become so much more. I would love to champion support for the region in the move to Net Zero and ToTW representation for the New National Food Strategy”
Charles Baughan, Managing Director of Westaway Sausages: “South West Food and Drink producers need a vibrant and inspirational organisation to unite the sector at all levels and to market and promote the region’s unique produce and its sustainability. In addition, this organisation needs to promote better ways of producing and champion those companies who are innovative and set standards in best practice.”
Mike Anderson, Managing Director of Hale Events: “Our Source trade show was built alongside this amazing brand and we are committed to supporting Taste of the West, so that it continues to be the valuable voice it is, for the region’s food and drink businesses.”
As a group, these individuals are strongly committed and look forward to releasing more information as plans develop.
