Putting fresh, seasonal and deliciously tasty local food on the menu is one of the easiest ways for catering and tourism businesses to attract more customers.

The Local Food and Hospitality Show, to be held on 28 February at the Adams Park Conference Centre, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, is the only market place in the Thames Valley where people in tourism and catering will meet local food and drink producers and suppliers.

Nancy Pound, Buckinghamshire County Council’s Economic Development Officer and chair of the Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Food Group is helping to organise the Show. “ Local food producers make a valuable contribution to tourism. They’re adding value by helping to attract spending visitors to our farmers’ markets, farm shops, restaurants and visitor centres.

“Many B&B owners in Buckinghamshire use local produce in their breakfasts, and comments from guests show that this is a valuable unique selling point.“ she added.

Pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels and visitor attractions in the Thames Valley can benefit from the increasing demand for local produce by going to the Local Food and Hospitality Show. It starts at 10am and entrance is free if you book in advance or £5 on the door. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to sample the tasty offerings from more than 30 producers as well as enjoying a local food lunch, networking and workshops.

Hospitality businesses can book through Business Link  or call 0845 6064466. Local food producers and suppliers can book their stand by e-mailing: localfood@brookes.ac.uk  or call 01865 484116.

Tamara Schiopu, who co-ordinates the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes, and Oxfordshire Food Groups based at Oxford Brookes University, has organised the Show. “Local food can transform the pub-dining experience because customers are looking for food that is fresh and tasty, “ she said. “Differentiation between pubs can be the key to success, and now that the smoking ban has come in, it means that pub chefs have a greater chance of impressing customers relaxing in their smoke-free restaurants.”

The Local Food and Hospitality Show is sponsored by Buckinghamshire County Council, Business Link for Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, High Wycombe District Council, South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and Tourism South East.