Despite the atrocious weather, well over 2000 visitors braved the storms and floods to make it to this year’s show. Following the merger of the Source and Taste of the West trade show with the Expowest Westcountry catering show, our 2014 Source ‘super show’ was 50% bigger than in 2013, with 30% more businesses attending. There was a fantastic variety of products on display at the show, from small artisan producers to wholesalers and distributors, as well a range of service providers.
“Thank you! Best catering show held in Devon for years … Same again next year please!” Coffee Works UK.
Memories of the glorious 2013 summer had everyone looking forward to another sunny season of strong sales, and the show had a vibrant and positive atmosphere. With busy aisles, mouthwatering smells and delicious tastes, visitors over the two days enjoyed a very friendly and bustling show.
“We run 9 holiday parks throughout Somerset. We came to kit out a new park, clubhouse and restaurant facility. The show has been very informative and served its purpose for all of our requirements. We have placed orders for all that we needed at the show” Sean Abrahams, Westcountry Parks Ltd.
Thanks to the range of exhibitors, the Source wasn’t just about buyers placing orders. It also proved to be a great opportunity for networking and crossover trade between exhibitors, with companies finding new routes to market and benefitting from the range of expertise on offer from the other exhibitors at the show.
Winner of the South West Chef of the Year Competition 2013 Nathan Cornwell from Lucknam Park in Bath, gave his first ever demo, in the In-toto Demo Kitchen, showing off his winning dish and launching the 2014 competition. Other well-known faces also took to the stage, including 2012 Masterchef the Professionals Champion Anton Piotrowski and TV cook & founder of the Posh Pasty Company, James Strawbridge.
“Thanks to yesterday @SourceFoodDrink met interesting new suppliers we can’t wait to introduce the new delicious local ingredients & drinks” Royal Oak, Withypool.
Next year’s Source trade show will once again take place at Westpoint, Exeter, on Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th February 2015. You can keep up to date with news about the show here on the website or why not follow us on Twitter at @SourceFoodDrink?
Mike Anderson says
We were delighted that this show worked so well for the industry we are doing our best to serve in the South West. We can’t wait for next year when we expect the show to be even bigger and better for everyone involved! Don’t miss it! Mike. A. MD Hale Events