Buy Local 2008 News
Businesses Flock to Buy Local
On Tuesday 29th January, well over 200 North West hotel and guest house owners, restaurateurs, caterers and food retailers visited Ewood Park in Blackburn to attend Buy Local 2008.
On display were products from many of the region’s leading producers, ranging from seafood, black puddings and locally reared organic meats to chocolate, chutneys and cheese.
Central to the event was the message that buying locally produced food and drink makes sound commercial sense as well as being more environmentally sustainable, as Nimtech’s managing director, David Bowker explains:
"A number of celebrity chefs are successfully drawing attention to a message that food professionals have been promoting for years – that local food is best. Getting it quickly from the producer to the plate means that it will be fresher and tastier, and minimising the need for transportation, refrigeration and storage means that it has much less impact on the environment. Buying local also means that money and jobs stay within the region, and it helps to support local producers in the face of very fierce, sometimes global competition.
"When top chefs like Nigel Haworth talk about the benefits of buying locally, people really prick up their ears and take the issue seriously. Combine that with an event where visitors can see that there’s an enormous amount of top quality local food on offer, and it all adds up to a very persuasive message. With all that in mind, it’s great to see an event such as this being so well attended and that so many businesses are keen to adopt a local purchasing policy."
Special Demonstration by Nigel Haworth
One of the highlights of the exhibition came when Nigel Haworth, head chef of the Blackburn based Northcote Manor, treated visitors to a special demonstration to show what can be achieved using high quality local ingredients.
Addressing a packed audience, he produced three dishes using smoked salmon, kippers, black pudding, eggs and salad, all supplied by exhibitors at the Buy Local 2008 exhibition. These included the Port of Lancaster Smokehouse, RS Ireland (The Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company) and H&P Ascroft, the Tarleton based vegetable growers.
Nigel, who is justly proud of Northcote Manor's success in winning and retaining its prestigious Michelin Star, is a strong advocate of using locally procured food.
More information about Nigel and his approach to working with local producers and growers can be found on the Northcote Manor website.
Special Demonstration by Mandarin Restaurant
During the afternoon session of the Buy Local 2008 exhibition, a second presentation was given by Pauline Lai from the Mandarin restaurant in Blackpool and head chef, Miao-Sheung Wu.
Using locally produced pork, prawns and other ingredients, they showed how to create delicious Wal-Tip – a traditional Chinese dumpling commonly found on street food stalls all over Beijing. The demonstration showed that however exotic one’s tastes, it is still possible to create mouth watering results using locally sourced food.
Raymond Blanc Voices his Support
December 2007
Raymond Blanc OBE, Chef Patron/Chairman of Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons, has given his support to Buy Local 2008.
He said: "Every time you buy local produce - whether it's a regional cheese or simply an apple - you reconnect with our country's food culture, you support your local farmer, help the economy of your town, and reduce the environmental cost of our food. You will find that the product will be fresher and will taste better, too. It is a win-win transaction, and a step along the road to a sustainable economy."
Le Manoir website provides more information about the restaurant, its awards and its ideas about local procurement and organic produce.
Anthony Worrell Thompson Supports
Buy Local 2008
December 2007
Celebrity chef, Anthony Worrell Thompson, has given his wholehearted support to Buy Local 2008.
Asked why he valued Buy Local and similar events so highly, he said: "Food made with local ingredients has a sort of magic that mass produced food can’t quite match. Events like Buy Local 2008 are absolutely vital to ensure that, wherever possible, we all use local produce to treat guests to culinary delights that represent our region.
"Buy Local will help customers and regional suppliers come together, which in turn reduces food miles and sustains the environment.
"I am delighted to support Buy Local 2008 and wish you all happy tasting and a full belly."
The AWT Online website provides more details about Anthony, his work and his views about the importance of buying locally produced food.
Food Producer of the Year to Exhibit at Buy Local 2008
November 2007
The winner of the North West Fine Food Producer of the Year Award 2007 - the Port of Lancaster Smokehouse - has announced that it will be taking a stand at Buy Local 2008.
Established over thirty years ago, the Port of Lancaster Smokehouse has maintained traditional methods of preparing and curing fish and meats. The company is highly committed to the quality of its products and ingredients, which are sourced as locally as possible. The company smokes salmon, haddock, trout, eel, ham, bacon, duck, chicken and game, and will even smoke customers' own products to order.
Other food specialists that have already confirmed their attendance include - amongst others - producers of cured meats, ice cream, puddings, preserves, fruit pies and dairy products.
