Latest statistics have revealed that a monthly speciality food
and drink market brings up to 10 per cent more visitors to the
heart of a city.
Regional food organisation East Midlands Fine Foods has been
running a regular Regional and Speciality Food and Drink Market in
the Old Market Square, Nottingham, since April 2007 in conjunction
with Nottingham City Council.
The market is the chance for producers and suppliers of food and
drink from across the East Midlands to sell direct to the public,
and has built up a loyal following of customers.
Now statistics have revealed that footfall to the Old Market
Square goes up by between 7 and 10 per cent on market days,
representing an extra 3,000 to 5,000 visitors to the city
centre.
"The positive relationship between East Midlands Fine Foods and
Nottingham City Council has helped to create a vibrant and popular
monthly market which attracts visitors to the heart of the city,"
said Councillor David Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure,
culture and customers at Nottingham City Council.
"The Regional and Speciality Food and Drink Market has been a
great asset to Nottingham, and very much welcomed by shoppers,
which is reflected in our latest statistics on visitor numbers to
the Old Market Square."
As well as the Nottingham market, which takes place on the third
Friday and Saturday of each month, East Midlands Fine Foods
organises a number of speciality food and drink markets across the
region at specific events, such as the Burghley Game and Country
Fair near Stamford.
The Nottingham event features around 30 stalls from Derbyshire,
Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and
Rutland selling a wide variety of produce, including meat, cheese,
condiments, cakes, fruit and vegetables, ethnic snacks and other
items.
"Speciality food markets continue to be very popular with
shoppers," said Briony Clarke, operations manager of business
support organisation The Food and Drink Forum, which runs East
Midlands Fine Foods.
"Our members and associated stall holders produce some of the
finest regional and speciality food and drink from across the East
Midlands, and we're delighted to see that this monthly event in
Nottingham city centre is such a draw for the public.
"As one of the largest food and drink organisations in the
region, we have links to a wide variety of food and drink
producers, so between us and the council we've been able to run a
successful regular event."
East Midlands Fine Foods provides a range of focused support and
assistance to small and medium-sized speciality food and drink
producers in the region, including regular exhibiting and selling
opportunities. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham.