Cumbrian food and drink businesses are returning to the UK’s leading Farm Shop and Deli Show at Birmingham’s NEC in 2020 under the ‘This is Cumbria’ banner.

The national event for specialist retailers focuses on local produce, celebrating the best of British food and drink. Over 450 suppliers will be attending the event and the individual businesses from Cumbria will be locating in the large ‘This is Cumbria’ pavilion.

This is Cumbria started as an idea at the 2018 show, initiated by Lisa Smith of Ginger Bakers and Maria Whitehead of Hawkshead Relish.  From there they made contact with Keith and Jacqui Jackson of Thomas Jardine & Co and Sue Howorth of The Family Business Network to help form a collaboration of Cumbrian businesses.

Keith Jackson said: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce that between the 30 March and 1 April 2020 a collective of Cumbrian food and drink businesses are going back to the Farm Shop & Deli Show at the NEC. Once again we have fantastic sponsorship from Cartmell Shepherd and Enterprise Answers for This is Cumbria.

“The name ‘This is Cumbria’ came up as the collective name for the stand.  We are Eclectic stepped up to do the design work.  Then Printing Plus stepped up to do our printing.  We also saw support from 32 West with publicity.  Finally, Liberty Work and Leisure provided our wonderful caps and aprons for the 2019 show.

“The plan is to make ‘This is Cumbria” a regular of the Farm Shop and Deli Show. To achieve this, we wanted to ensure that we could also give businesses who may not traditionally have the budget or resource to attend a show like this, so with the generous support of our sponsors Enterprise Answers and Cartmell Shepherd we were able to create a showcase area to allow businesses to test the water in a friendly supportive environment. They will be surrounded by businesses who are more experienced with these types of shows.”

Sue Howorth added: “For 2020, we already have twelve businesses in the This is Cumbria area. Taking up the main stands are Hawkshead Relish, Kin Vodka, Farrers Tea & Coffee, Ginger Bakers, Lakeland Artisan, Penningtons Liqueurs and Vegware. Sharing the showcase stand are the wonderful Shed 1 Gin, Molly Rose Drinks, The Pie Mill, Cakes from the Lakes, Hawkshead Brewery and the Eden Valley Meat Company.

“This means visitors to This is Cumbria area will be able to talk to businesses with a multitude of award-winning goodies. From jams, pickles and sauces to teas and coffees. Through to delicious cakes to Toffee Vodka and Kendal Mintcake Liqueur, Gin and Gin Liqueurs. Then there’s pies and charcuterie alongside beers with a story. And finally, eco-friendly packaging and catering disposables.”

There is still chance get involved and join ‘This is Cumbria’ in 2020 as they have some space within the This is Cumbria area.  If you would like to talk  to someone about a stand or sponsorship support please contact Sue via [email protected]