Our show had Cornwall covered!

This year’s very successful Expowest Cornwall took place from 4th-6th March, at the Royal Cornwall Showground, in Wadebridge, and over those three days more than 2000 buyers flowed through the doors. The recent storms and floods neither deterred visitors, nor dampened the spirits of those feeling optimistic following last year’s lovely summer.

We had over 160 exhibitors, 10% more than last year, and showcased products covering the whole of the hospitality and catering market; from tableware and furniture, catering equipment and services, to coffee and speciality food products. Visitors came for the whole day, to sample the great food and drink on offer, to see the best new equipment in action, and to catch up with old friends as well as making new ones. The busy and friendly atmosphere perfectly demonstrated Cornish hospitality to all who attended, With invitations and badges sent out before the show, and improvements made to the traffic management on site, nothing got in the way of business!

“A very productive show and a great opportunity to see our existing customers as well as showcasing our whole range products. We have been delighted with the new interest shown” Rachel Clarke, Trewithen Farm Dairy.

Our new Demo Corner proved to be very popular. With a mix of demonstrations from professional chefs and business focused talks, there was something for everyone. The Facebook Workshop was particularly well attended, as was the Hospitality & Tourism Tips Workshop. With chefs such as James Strawbridge from the Posh Pasty Co, Adrian Oliver from Margot’s Bistro and The Hospitality Sourcerer Steve Durham also showing off their skills, there was plenty to watch and listen to every day, as well as smell and taste.

“The people through the door were of a really good quality and we now have a large number of leads to progress when we’re back in the office. A very successful show – see you next year!” Richard Jewell, A E Rodda.

“Great to catch up with our existing customers and very pleased to meet new clients, lots of meetings booked and new accounts to be opened” Duncan Hutchings, Tregothnan Estate.

The show coincided with St Piran’s Day, on Wednesday 5th March, when visitors were serenaded by the Wadebridge Shipwrecks, who added a traditional Cornish flavour to the day. Taking place well before Easter, Expowest Cornwall was perfectly timed to bring businesses up to date with all the latest innovations and developments ready for the start of the tourism season.