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FIRST FOR FOREST FOOD & DRINK

March 2000

Eight local producers and outlets have joined together to promote the quality of New Forest food and drink, ranging from hand-made chocolates to healthy eating cakes, jams and chutneys to cheeses, farm produce, an amazing range of sausages, as well as wine, bubbly, ales and traditional alcohol free wine style drinks.

A leaflet describing the range of Hampshire Fare in the New Forest with full contact details was launched at a Trade Tasting held at The Nurse’s Cottage Restaurant and Guest Accommodation in Sway, run by chef/proprietor Tony Barnfield.

Each of the companies is a Member of Hampshire Fare, the organisation that represents and promotes speciality producers of Food, Drink and Craft in the county. Hampshire Fare Marketing Director Henriette Reinders commented: “I am really encouraged by Tony’s initiative to host a trade fair for New Forest producers. Putting New Forest products on the map is very important, and these promotions are vital to local producers. I am also pleased to see the strong network between our members and the support they give each other.”

The New Forest producers hope to raise awareness of their fine food and drink among local residents and visitors, as well as introducing their wares to chefs, restaurateurs, publicans and hoteliers in and around the area.

Anthony Climpson, Tourism Officer for the New Forest, said: “Tourism is a wonderful way of promoting local produce and I applaud the work of Hampshire Fare in establishing a New Forest group. Seeing New Forest produce on the tables of local tourism businesses will without question strengthen the brand image of the destination.”

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