Exciting new exhibitors at Exeter Food Festival 2017
Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink has announced new exhibitors for the 2017 festival as part of its Fresh at the Festival initiative. The scheme supports local independent start-ups and this year eight exciting new Fresh at the Festival exhibitors will feature alongside many festival favourites.
The initiative offers discounted stands and a one-day training and business support seminar to new exhibitors that have been in business for three years or less. Sponsor and Devon County Councillor, Andrew Leadbetter said: “We are continually looking to encourage and support start-ups and entrepreneurship in the county. It’s a pleasure to once again provide support and training to these local food and drink businesses. They are such an integral part of our community and extremely valued contributors to the enormous success of the Festival itself.”
This year the Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink takes place across the early May Bank holiday weekend, from Saturday 29th April to Monday 1st May 2017. The festival will once again be held at Exeter Castle and Northernhay Gardens.
Michael Caines MBE, festival co-founder said, “The Festival is a fantastic event that brings together regional producers and chefs and celebrates the diverse produce we have on our doorsteps in the South West. Visitors can sample and purchase products from over 90 producers, watch chef demonstrations and get involved with hands-on activities for the whole family.”
Fresh at the Festival 2017 exhibitors
Barbican Botanist Gin, created by Plymouth-based duo Doreen Canale-Dow and Warren Dow, is one of the Fresh exhibitors at the festival. Doreen and Warren produce small batch gin handcrafted and distilled in the South West. Punctuated with citrus flavours and earthy notes this gin is a must-try.
Creber's Rock Apocryphal Cider is slow fermented by wild yeasts, at Giles Nicholson's cidery on Dartmoor, before being bottled on the lees. It is then hand riddled over several months, disgorged and aged for a year or more to produce a naturally sparkling vintage cider. Crebers Rock also produce still draught cider, cider vinegar and are developing a range of cider based preserves.
Founded by Tony Coulson, Ebb Tides was established in 2016 and is a unique business making its first appearance at the festival. Tony, who has over 20 years’ experience working in fisheries and aquaculture, sells an assortment of edible seaweeds. These seaweed delicacies are sustainably harvested from a stretch of Devon’s picturesque south coast. Tony says that
“The Exeter Food Festival is an exciting opportunity to showcase my business and introduce people to seaweed. Seaweed is an edible and healthy food which is high in nutrients, low in calories, great for digestive health and of course delicious and I can’t wait for people to try it!”
Chocoholics will love the tempting Artisan Chocolate Company which sells a range of aromatic, hand crafted chocolate delights and created by Chef Peter Alcroft from Kingsbridge.
The Culmstock Chilli Co is another newcomer to the festival. Situated in the beautiful Blackdown Hills, Culmstock Chilli Co was created by Nigel and Coralie Howard whose passions lie in growing beautiful and tasty chilli plants for people to take home and continue to grow on their own windowsills.
Cheri Laurent Earp, founder of Maison Cheri is a bespoke wedding cake artist who will feature at the festival. Cheri is based in Exeter and specialises in baking gorgeous gluten-free cupcakes, celebration and wedding cakes.
Shillingford Organics started their online farm shop in 2014 and aim to deliver produce within 10 miles from the farm. The fresh at the festival stand will be selling award-winning organic vegetable boxes from the farm based in Shillingford Abbot.
Finally, join Chef Collin Pereira on a culinary tour of India with India in a Jar (with a Dash of Devon) based in Paignton, featuring the most innovative and versatile curry food jars to hit the UK stores.
The mouth-watering festival begins on Saturday 29th April to Monday 1st May 2017, and will be located in the Exeter Castle Courtyard and Northernhay Gardens.
Visit the exhibitors’ directory for a full list of catering outlets, producer stalls, food and drink stands for 2017 - http://www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk/Exhibitors
The After Dark Music Festivals kick-start on Friday 28th April with headliner The Locked Horns, Saturday 29th April with headliner Leigh Coleman Band and Sunday 30th April with headliner Bill Ding and the Skyscrapers.
Now in its fourteenth year, the Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink is supported by Exeter City Council. The festival is a not for profit event. Tickets can be booked in advance and are available will be available online. For more information or to buy tickets visit: www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk
