FINAL planning is underway for a brand new food and drink trade show promoting Exmoor produce.

The day is being organised by Exmoor National Park Authority as part of its project to promote local food and help Exmoor become known for, and visited as, a great food destination.

Known as the Eat Exmoor Food & Drink Trade Show, the event will be held at the Beach Hotel in Minehead on Wednesday, February 7, 2018.

The organisers say it will bring together producers, hospitality, wholesale and retail food businesses, for a focus on and celebration of produce from the Greater Exmoor area.

As well as stands with local producers showcasing their goods, the programme of events will include short and informative talks from chefs and producers, as well as experts in the marketing of local food with input on effective menu writing, social media, alongside cooking demonstrations and recipes using local produce.

Dan James, sustainable economy manager for Exmoor National Park said: “This is the perfect opportunity for the trade to get together and really focus on the importance of local food and the Exmoor brand.

"More than £40 million a year is spent by visitors to Greater Exmoor on food and drink. This is part of the Exmoor story: farming sustains the landscape, the landscape sustains tourism and food sustains visitors.

Mr James continued: “The show programme is starting to look really exciting and bookings for producers stalls are now being taken.

"We’re going to make this event as big and productive as possible for all concerned.”

The Trade Show is being supported by Visit Exmoor and West Somerset Council.

A producer or trade stand can be booked for £5 and general entry to the trade on the day is free.

More details can be obtained by emailing KJMunro@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or by calling 01398 323236.

Exmoor is looking to expand its events diary to attract more visitors to the park and the first ever Dark Skies Festival in October was a big success with hundreds of people joining in the activities on offer.