A HOST of local producers are set to join UK and worldwide buyers, journalists, dignitaries and industry leaders in Newport for Wales’s first ever international food and drink event.

BlasCymru/TasteWales takes place at the Celtic Manor resort on March 23-24 and will bring the entire industry under one roof to showcase the best of our nation’s growing food and drink offer.

Over 100 of Wales’s top producers will be exhibiting their products, with local food and drink companies at the event including Calon Wen, Princes Gate Spring Water and Tan y Castell.

Confirmed delegates at the event include buyers and representatives coming from as far afield as the United States, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates, affirming Wales’s place at the forefront of high quality food and drink production.

Also present will be the recent BBC Apprentice winner Alana Spencer, as she exhibits her new venture, Ridiculously Rich by Alana for the first time since her recent victory, as well as delivering a talk at the conference held on the first day: “It’s not only exciting to be involved in such a showcase of producers in Wales but also a great opportunity to develop business partnerships and build success. It’s rare to have so many senior buyers from retailers and wholesalers and I am very much looking forward to the opportunities it will bring.”

The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths AM, will be hosting the event and making a number of exciting announcements in connection with the sector: “Bringing together individuals and organisations from across the industry, BlasCymru/TasteWales will provide the platform for us to display the strength, success and pride we have in Welsh food and drink and help us continue with the positive trajectory we are currently on as we strive to reach our 30 per cent growth target by 2020.”

Capacity is limited with tickets available on a first come first served basis from www.tastewales.com