Hospitality workers urged to take part in BBO Food Group

Chefs, caterers and other foodservice and hospitality workers are being invited to join the BBO Food Group, the only business support organisation dedicated for producers and retailers of local food and drink located in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Tamara Schiopu, director of BBO Food Group CIC, launched the new Hospitality Membership at business breakfasts in Reading and Oxfordshire during Farmhouse Breakfast Week 24 – 30 January.

She said: "Since 2003 we have been working with chefs, caterers and restaurateurs to help them source local produce, and several joined the Food Group to take advantage of our business support events.

"Local produce is now a significant feature on many menus, so we decided to encourage more chefs and caterers to join us. We include Bed and Breakfasts, guest houses, hotels, cookery schools, private chefs and demonstrators as well as cafés, pubs and restaurants."

Membership of BBO Food Group gives instant promotion and recognition to members through the annual Food Guide publication and listings on the website www.local-food.net.

Other benefits of being a member include 100 free copies of Local Flavours Food Guide for promotion, Free entry to BBO annual Local Flavours trade show and 25% reduced advertising rates in Local Flavours Food Guide.

The Reading launch of BBO Food Group Hospitality Membership was held at Malmaison, Reading hosted by head chef Andy Holmes with Chris Barber, local restaurateur and food business adviser.

"Local produce isn't a fad, it's here to stay," explained Barber. "Vegetables, fruit, meat and cheese sourced locally not only taste wonderful they add value too."

Words: Maria Bracken

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