Hampshire councils join forces to champion local food producers at national trade fair
Local food and drink producers from Hampshire have secured new business and national recognition after Test Valley Borough Council joined forces with New Forest District Council and Winchester City Council to support a collaborative stand at the Speciality and Fine Food Fair 2025.
The initiative, led by Hampshire Fare and made possible through council funding, enabled five Hampshire producers - Callaloo Corner, BOKA, Chalkstream Foods, New Forest Shortbread, and The Fabulous Catch Company, to showcase their products at one of the UK’s leading trade events.
Thanks to the councils’ support, producers gained confirmed new retail listings and high-quality leads with national buyers. The stand attracted positive media coverage, including features in Insider Media, Basingstoke Gazette, and the Daily Echo. Producers reported increased confidence and ambition to grow their businesses, and there is strong appetite to return to the event in 2026.
The project delivered excellent value for money, raised Hampshire’s profile as a region of food and drink excellence, and highlighted the benefits of council collaboration.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, councillor Phil North said: “This is a fantastic example of what we can achieve when councils work together to support our local businesses. By pooling our resources, we’ve helped Hampshire producers reach new markets, secure valuable orders, and showcase the very best of our region. It's great to back initiatives like this, which drive economic growth and celebrate the talent and ambition of our food and drink sector.”
Natasha Dochniak, Commercial Manager at Hampshire Fare, said: “We’re hugely grateful for the support from Test Valley, New Forest, and Winchester councils. Their funding made it possible for our producers to access a national platform, connect with buyers, and raise Hampshire’s profile as a region of quality and innovation."
All partners are keen to build on this momentum, with plans already underway for future trade shows and collaborative showcases in 2026.
For more information about Hampshire Fare and local producers, visit: hampshirefare.co.uk.