BITE Sussex hosted its first Producer Showcase afternoon of the year at My Brighton hotel on Monday 28 February, writes Nick Mosley.
Alongside informal networking with colleagues, the event was an opportunity for BITE Sussex hospitality partners to meet local food and drink producers with a view to nurture existing relationships and generate new business opportunities.
Exhibitors included Redroaster Coffee, Julien Plumart, The Black Market, Three Acres Brewery, The Great British Charcuterie Co, Boho Gelato and Wiston Wine Estate. Local distilleries also had a strong presence with Brighton Gin, Dedbest Distillery, G&H Spirits, Madame Jennifer Distillery, Slake Spirits and Wessex Distillery all showcase their gins and other spirits.
“Business to business networking is a really important part of what we do”, said Nathalie Gomez de Vera, co-director of BITE Sussex. “Getting all our partners and industry friends in the same room to meet new faces, chat with friends, sample Sussex produce and enjoy a few drinks builds long-standing relationships that are the bedrock of the local food economy”.
Snacks were provided by many of the producers and the kitchen of the new Meanwhile Café on Jubilee Street.
Mixology Group also hosted an afternoon of cocktail masterclasses in the luxurious Carousel Room suite on the top floor of My Brighton hotel. Featuring Nàdar gin and vodka from the Arbikie Distillery, guest were invited to learn a few tricks of the trade and shake their own cocktails using these unique spirits that have a negative carbon footprint of -1.5kg per bottle.
BITE Sussex is the reboot of the long-running Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival. Each year the organisation runs two annual Producer Showcase and trade networking afternoons, food and drink festivals every April and September and supports BITE partners with marketing activity.
The team also run the BITE Sussex Rising Stars Awards celebrating the contribution young people make to the food, drink and hospitality industry in the county and promoting careers.
The BITE Sussex Spring Food and Drink Festival runs 1-10 April with a varied programme of one-off dinners, themed tastings and the return of Sussex Gin Week. Find out more at www.bitesussex.com
Comments