Source of information

Two new guides to British regional food and drink will be launched at Food and Drink Expo, being held at Birmingham NEC on 18 March.

Aimed at chefs, restaurateurs and anyone wanting to source speciality produce from around the UK, the 2002 British Regional Food and Drink Guide has been compiled by Heather Hay French and includes more than 1,400 regional producers of goods, from traditional hand-made fudge to a hot pepper preserve.

All UK regional food groups and their members are listed in the 2002 guide including, for the first time, producers from the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

The second title, The British Cheese Directory, edited by cheese expert Juliet Harbutt, has been updated and now contains more than 200 UK cheese producers.

The two directories are available to food buyers for £5 to cover postage and packing. Cost to non-buyers is £40. Further information can be found at www.foodfrombritain.co.uk.