East Anglia's largest food and drink trade show returned this week with a new spring date showcasing more than 100 local producers from across the region.

Record numbers of people attended the Local Flavours 2024, which was held in the recently-relaunched Norfolk Events Centre at the Norfolk Showground on Wednesday.

The new date aimed to capture the valuable spring/summer trade, with organisers declaring the move a roaring success.

Norwich Evening News: The Local Flavours event returns to the Norfolk Showground on March 20, 2024The Local Flavours event returns to the Norfolk Showground on March 20, 2024 (Image: Newsquest)

The exhibition featured a range of producers and buyers from across the UK and Europe - all looking to find East Anglian products for their menus or shelves.

Buyers ranged from large multinational businesses such as Selfridges, Tesco, Center Parcs and Serco, to independent cafes, restaurants, delis and farm shops across the region.

The event aimed to spark new deals and partnerships which, over the years, have sold East Anglian food and drink worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Norwich Evening News: Jade Amos, executive chef, and Nathaniel Crothers, owner, of Brick Pizza in Norwich, at the Local Flavours food trade show.Jade Amos, executive chef, and Nathaniel Crothers, owner, of Brick Pizza in Norwich, at the Local Flavours food trade show. (Image: Newsquest)

Local Flavours director Valerie Watson Brown, said the day had been a fantastic opportunity for producers looking to level-up their businesses.

She said: “This is about helping people take the step up from baking cupcakes in their kitchen to break into the industry.

“You can take your goods to farmers markets, but this is about connecting business owners with others to form brilliant partnerships.

“It’s not just about the big supermarkets either. We had chefs and local restaurants looking for East Anglian produce, delis - there’s someone through the door for everyone."

Norwich Evening News: Alan Gregory from Dish Food with his pies and pasties at the Local Flavours food trade show.Alan Gregory from Dish Food with his pies and pasties at the Local Flavours food trade show. (Image: Newsquest)

Local Flavours also supports producers on overseas trade missions, consumer-targeted activities and "meet the buyer" sessions throughout the year, with the help of the public sector and other funding.

Among the sponsors is Norfolk County Council, whose cabinet member for economic growth, Fabian Eagle, said: "The local food and drink sector is such an important one for Norfolk with so many great local producers - we look forward to seeing many of you at the show."