Taste Lancashire conference line-up announced

The Taste Lancashire food & drink conference 2022, taking place at Holmes Mill on Tuesday 15th November, will feature Hairy Biker Si King, BBC Radio 4’s Caz Graham and a keynote from Paul Hargreaves, author of Being A Better Business.

The event is aimed at the county’s hospitality and tourism industry and has been organised by Marketing Lancashire following successful events held in 2017 and 2019.

It sets out to celebrate, inform and inspire healthy debate amongst the county’s successful and growing food and drink sector; with particular emphasis on boosting the county’s millions of visitors with more gourmet travellers and food lovers.

Rachel McQueen, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, said: “Our aim to be a must-visit gastronomic destination depends on the creativity, entrepreneurship and hard work of our wonderful food and drink businesses. They play a huge role in Lancashire’s identity and what makes us special.

“From gin companies continuing to keep Lancashire on an international stage to multi award-winning cheeses, chocolates and heritage brands that are leading a revolution in Lancashire food and drink, we are undoubtedly Britain’s tastiest county.”

The conference also welcomes speakers from VisitBritain/VisitEngland who will share insights into world perceptions of British food & drink and discuss best practice in hosting international visitors.

Experts from the Department for International Trade, Lancaster University, National Farmers’ Union and Booths will contribute to a wide-ranging discussion on hot topics related to food & drink; from farm to fork production, the changing tastes and expectations of consumers, being a better business and how, in these uncertain times, we can market more Lancashire produce overseas.

The event will showcase a dozen or so of the county’s finest producers, who will offer delegates the opportunity to taste and learn more about their products, with a view to new contracts and supplier agreements.