Taste of the West Unveils New Vision and Upgraded Support for Regional Food & Drink Businesses
One year on from its successful rescue and restructuring as a Community Interest Company (CIC), Taste of the West has unveiled a renewed strategic vision designed to boost food, drink, and hospitality operators across the South West.
Backed by prominent regional heavyweights including North Somerset’s Yeo Valley and Wyke Farms, the organisation is being steered by five volunteer industry directors. Unlike previous funding models, the new CIC operates without reliance on government grants, reinvesting revenue directly back into regional enterprise.
New Tiered Membership Structure
To deliver structured growth for businesses ranging from emerging artisan producers to high-volume suppliers and independent venues, Taste of the West has introduced three new support tiers:
-
Connect: The baseline package focused on core visibility and industry backing, which includes regional directory listings, commercial discounts, and two complimentary entries into the annual Taste of the West Awards.
-
Transform: Introduces practical operational tools, including an online staff training portal, dedicated sustainability tracking software, assured Primary Authority regulatory advice, and access to a professional food safety helpline.
-
Accelerate: Aimed at businesses targeting rapid scaling or structural development, featuring bespoke 1-to-1 matching with seasoned industry professionals through the new Mentor+ scheme.
Preserving Regional Recognition
The relaunch also protects the long-standing Taste of the West Awards, adding an operational framework so finalists and winners can better convert seasonal accolades into commercial growth and supermarket listings.
“The South West food and drink sector is a multi-billion-pound industry, significant job creator and cornerstone of the local economy,” said Charles Baughan, Spokesperson and Sustainability Lead for Taste of the West and Owner of Westaway Sausages. “Taste of the West CIC is now run by industry experts who are volunteers and who thrive on ambition and innovation, rather than government funding… Having spent a year developing membership benefits for a new kind of food group, we believe Taste of the West can deliver real economic and cultural impact across the region.”
Regional producers, retailers, and hospitality venues interested in joining or exploring the 2026/2027 awards framework can find full details at tasteofthewest.co.uk.
See the latest What’s on in Bristol at https://directlocalbristol.co.uk/whats-on-bristol/
