Food fest shows region’s strengths in sector
THIS year’s Leeds Food Festival is set to secure the city as a premier destination for food and drink and help drive sustainable economic growth.
The event, which started on Friday, focuses exclusively on food and drink from the Yorkshire region, encompassing local suppliers and independent retailers.
It has also secured a three-year sponsorship commitment from Leeds headquartered Asda, which comes on board as the festival begins a process of being reshaped over a three-year period.
The fortnight of events is allowing the region to showcase the strengths of its food and drink sector, from education, training and apprenticeships, supply chains and business networks, to health, nutrition and well-being.
It is expected that this year’s reshaped format will bring about an increase in footfall and overnight stays in the city.
Lurene Joseph, chief executive of Leeds and Partners, said: “The Leeds Food Festival enriches the city’s unique proposition as a great place to live, work and study, and by raising the city’s profile as a premier UK food destination, provides great scope to drive growth for both the regional and national economy.
“This year’s festival will demonstrate the vast amount of home-grown talent in the region, and will act as a catalyst for new and existing entrepreneurs helping to grow and sustain the local eco-system and business networks.
“Further afield, national and international businesses will be presented with opportunities to develop trade links with the organisations involved, from major chains and supermarkets sourcing local produce, to buyers and investors.
“The expanded timetable is offering visitors an incentive to stay and explore the city for longer, encouraging them to return throughout the year.”
The Leeds City Region is home to a rich tapestry of top international food and drink brands, including Seabrook Crisps and Coca-Cola Enterprises.
The sector is worth nearly 13% to the regional economy and an employer of 24,600 people in food and drink manufacturing jobs; the highest proportion of manufacturing jobs in the region. In 2013, sector output totalled over £194 million, representing 14% of total manufacturing output.
Previously a three-day event, the festival is now over three weekends and two weeks, finishing on Sunday, June 9.
Andy Clarke, president and CEO of Asda, and chair of Leeds and Partners, said: “We’re committed to supporting local producers and strengthening the local food and drink infrastructure, which is why it is great news that the festival is being expanded this year to provide even more opportunities for Yorkshire’s businesses, producers, retailers and independent traders to come together and seek new ways in which to work together.”
The 2013 Leeds Food Festival is hosting more than 60 events and Asda leads a list of organisations that have been working with Leeds and Partners on the new-look festival, including Leeds City College, Trinity Leeds and Leeds City Council.
