Food and Drink sector is at the heart of Warwickshire's visitor appeal
The latest Tourism Economic Impact study (2021) revealed that 35% of all visitor expenditure in Warwickshire is on Food and Drink, generating over £300m for the local economy. Pre-pandemic, the figures were even higher.
But the sector has a value which far transcends its economic contribution. With its rich depth of quality, enterprise and diversity, the sector is central to the county’s long tradition of rural enterprise and hospitality.
Warwickshire Food and Drink is a collective brand, designed and delivered by Warwickshire County Council, to promote the economic and environmental benefits of local sourcing. The objective is to make it easy and cost-effective for businesses to access produce from the county’s high-quality supplier, thereby shortening the supply chain and enabling food provenance.
The brand brings together each link of the supply chain, from those involved in food production all the way through to those who prepare and serve it. 2023 has been a bumper year for innovation in Warwickshire’s food and drink networks with several key events taking place, in collaboration with partners.
Meet the Supplier Event at Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse - organised by Destination Coventry, in partnership with Shakespeare’s England and Warwickshire County Council, took place in April. The event offered an opportunity for producers to reach hospitality, leisure, and tourism sector opportunities.
Industry experts at the event were keen to emphasise the sustainability benefits of sourcing locally but were also able to offer examples of how building relationships is vital for suppliers seeking to break into the market. A frank exchange on business challenges explored how to manage expectations when working with smaller suppliers, the role of accreditations and food safety. Exhibitors ranged from artisan food producers, distilleries, and hospitality venues to marketing companies, AV suppliers and business support services.
The Foodie Awards 2023 invited applications between June and September and has received over 150 applications. Judges are currently evaluating the entries before the much-anticipated celebration evening in October. Warwickshire Food and Drink is sponsoring Best Artisanal food, Wine or Spirit Producer and the Craft Drink Award and is pleased to be part of the network.
Food has a beautiful tradition of bringing people together and over the next couple of months, many Warwickshire towns will host their own local food festivals, seen as great footfall drivers to our local centres. Rural Warwickshire is home to an abundance of high-quality produce, artisan makers and irresistible food and drink experiences which appeal to local residents and visitors alike.
To celebrate this rich diversity, WCC’s tourism website https://visit.warwickshire.gov.uk/foodanddrink showcases a food lover’s tour of Warwickshire – a perfect recipe for an indulgent five-day tour, a short break holiday, or a blissful day out.
Warwickshire Producers Network
If you are a food and drink business based in Warwickshire, why not get involved in the Warwickshire Food & Drink story by joining Warwickshire Producers Network?
Enabling synergy and collaboration opportunities with other Warwickshire food and drink producers and support from within your industry via guest speakers, this network is growing fast. Places are limited at the events, so booking is essential. Booking for meetings in January and March 2024 is now open.
If you are a Warwickshire foodie, who would like to find out more about any of these opportunities, please contact abiculley@warwickshire.gov.uk