A NEW trade show featuring the best of South West - and Dorset - produce is being held next spring.

The Taste of the West Trade Show is on April 21 and 22, 2008 at the Westpoint Exhibition Centre in Exeter.

The aim is to provide an opportunity for buyers to source food and drink from a broad selection of South West producers.

Taste of the West and Hale Events have joined forces for the trade-only exhibition.

Retail buyers expected to attend include farm shops, delicatessens, tourist attractions and supermarkets.

It is also open to businesses in the food service sector, such as cafes, restaurants and hotels as well as procurement buyers representing the public sector.

Replacing the successful Select Food and Drink trade show, organised by Hale Events, the show is timed to both pick up new lines for the summer and develop strong relationships with new suppliers.

Taste of the West chief executive John Sheaves said: "At Taste of the West we know that increasing consumer demand to source local and regional products is directly resulting in retail, food service and procurement trade buyers contacting Taste of the West for help.

"As such, Taste of the West is delighted to be working with Hale Events in the organisation of such a regionally-focused trade event that will bring buyers and suppliers together, and we are very much looking forward to a successful trade show for everyone involved."

Taste of the West was established in 1991. It has helped highlight the South West's food and drink industry.

It represents more than 750 businesses across a wide variety of product sectors, many of whom will be represented at the show, in addition to other South West producers, distributors and wholesalers.

The show will also have a seminar area, where exhibitors and buyers can benefit from expert knowledge and learn about subjects such as sustainable packaging, export and market insights.

Buyers will have the opportunity to sample some of the region's finest products.

The Taste of the West Trade Show is strictly for trade-only buyers who can register online to receive pre-show information and a free entry badge.

Taste of the West members receive a preferential exhibition rate