The Federation of Small Businesses and CBG Management Academy are holding two seminars in February on the subject 'What's Ahead for Business in the UK Food & Drink Industry?'  The first is on the 16th February 2012 9.30am – 12 noon at Thornbury Golf Club, Bristol followed by a similar seminar on 23rd February 2012 9.30am – 12 noon at Basepoint Business Centre, Exeter.

Lobbs Farm Shop is holding a coffee morning on Saturday 11th February in their countryside barn in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care.10:00am to 2:00pm.

Cornish hedges and woodlands are brimming with the vibrant green and pungent aroma of wild garlic at this time of year. It is also the time of year that a dedicated team of pickers from Lynher Dairies spring into action at Pengreep Farm, West Cornwall to produce Wild Garlic Yarg.  The result is a seasonal, handmade cheese that makes the most of the changing seasons and flavours of the Cornish countryside.  This is a fabulous cheese for al fresco eating: mild, creamy and just a little crumbly, perfectly paired with fresh bread and fruity chutneys.

For 2012 there is a special Taste of the West Area highlighting members' businesses and their products at expowest's Westcounty and Cornwall events.

The food and drink product awards for this year’s Taste of the West Awards have been launched this week at the Giving & Living Trade Show in Exeter, shifting the whole awards programme forward by three months to give producers an opportunity to maximise their awards over the key summer season. Producers across the South West region are now being encouraged to enter their products, with the coveted award winners’ logo being a recognised sign of quality and provenance across the country, helping to boost both awareness and sales for the winners.