Local Flavours 2024 : Supporting local food and drink producers across the Eastern region.

The Local Flavours trade event is aimed at supporting local producers and has, over the years, shifted hundreds of thousands of pounds of food and drink by attracting buyers from across the UK and Europe to the region; all keen to source local products for their menus or shelves.

The annual trade event has grown from the inaugural event held in a farmyard with a handful of producers to become an exhibition of over one hundred producers, sitting alongside business support and other activity to help organisations from the Visitor Economy sector.

The event is a firm favourite with buyers representing tourism, hospitality, catering and food retail. The event attracts buyers from some of the largest multi-national businesses such as Makro, Tesco, Compass Group, Center Parcs and Serco to name a few. And proves to be just as valuable for the independent cafes, restaurants, delis and farm shops from across the region.

The event would not be possible without the support of many private and public organisations, many have been supporters since day one. Financial support allows the Local Flavours team to provide subsidised stand space for producers new to the industry or those needing assistance to exhibit. Over the years this has helped support businesses growth and created jobs within the industry.

“We launched Local Flavours following our personal experience of trying to get products into the national retail market. A daunting experience for the most experienced salesperson our thoughts were to attract buyers to a rural and local setting and to meet potential suppliers of local products in a more relaxed environment. It has proven a successful formula with many coming back year after year. We have been at capacity for several years now and have introduced business support areas amongst other activity to keep interest going.” Valerie Watson Brown, Director Local Flavours.

Local Flavours is now more than just an annual trade event. It now supports producers, through public sector and other support, on overseas trade missions, consumer facing activity and meet the buyer sessions throughout the year and has built a reputation of helping producers to prosper and grow.

This years Local Flavours trade event takes place on Wednesday 20^th March. Producers looking to get their products in front of trade buyers can enquire about stand availability by telephoning 01603 702374 or email robert@thelivelycrew.co.uk.

A ticket only event, we urge any business looking for new flavours and ideas in 2024 to register for free tickets via the link at www.localflavours.co.uk or telephone 01603 702374.

What some of our supporters say…

Shire Foods

“It is with great pleasure that we will be Headline Sponsors of Local Flavours Show 2024. As Shire Foods East Anglia we have been involved with Local Flavours since its inception in 2012. It has become an ideal platform for producers to allow potential customers to taste and see a multitude of East Anglian-produced food products.  These can be either for food service customers, using local products in their dishes, or for Farm Shops and other retail outlets to have a local food centre within their shops.”.

Pat Gould, MD and Owner Shire Foods (East Anglia) Ltd

Food Enterprise Park

“Local Flavours 24 continues to delight, excite, communicate the community of the many and varied local food & drink businesses in the region just as it did in 2012 when we launched the first Local Flavours at Honingham Thorpe. Move on 12 years and the vision of the Food Enterprise Park and Broadland Food Innovation Centre are now in place, an exemplar location to focus on our passion – the heath of a nation driven by great nutrition delivered by local producers and suppliers. The FEP are very pleased to again sponsor Local Flavours 24 as we have done every year since it was held at Honingham Thorpe – the home base of the FEP”.

Clarke Willis MBE, for FEP

RNAA

“The RNAA is delighted to host Local Flavours. This hugely successful initiative adds immense value to the food and drink industry in Norfolk and provides an important focal point for producers in the county.”

Mark Nicholas, Managing Director RNAA

Norfolk County Council

“We are pleased to once again be sponsoring Local Flavours, the largest food and drink trade show in East Anglia this year.  The local food and drink sector is such an important one for Norfolk with so many great local producers – we look forward to seeing many of you at the show.”

Councillor Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth

Norwich City Council

“Norwich City Council is a proud sponsor of the Local Flavours trade event again this year, it is important to support our wonderful local food and drink producers and Local Flavours has been shown to open up some great trade opportunities”

Cllr Mike Stonard, Leader, Norwich City Council.

Vdepot

“When local businesses support each other, it helps to build a stronger local economy, job market, talent pool, and a more vibrant community. Vdepot has clients dotted around the globe, but as a Norwich-based business we have a lot of passion for working with the amazing food and drink producers on our doorstep. We love marrying up our logistics expertise with the talent of the region’s food and drink producers, helping them take their products to the rest of the UK and beyond, and putting East Anglia firmly on the map!”

Natasha Riches, Head of Client Service, Vdepot Ltd.

Fresh Pac

“We love being part of the Local Flavours Exhibition each year! It’s where we celebrate our 40-year journey supporting local businesses. Showcasing our area’s best is vital—it’s a delicious blend of flavours and traditions. Connecting with the community, sharing stories, and savouring local goodness—what’s not to love?”

Graham Salter, Freshpac Teas and Coffees Ltd

Our other sponsors include:

• Breckland Council
• North Norfolk Council
• Crush Foods

If you are responsible for sourcing local produce for your menu or shelves we look forward to seeing you at Local Flavours 2024!

Don’t miss the largest regional food and drink trade show of its type in the UK, register now to book tickets.

Wednesday 20th March 2024 10am-4pm – The Norfolk Showground Arena

Register Now