Taste of the West, the UK’s largest independent regional food group, has entered administration, leaving members and the wider food community in the South West facing uncertainty. Established in 1991, the organization has been a cornerstone for over 1,000 members across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire, championing regional food and drink producers along with hospitality and retail businesses.
The company, known for its prestigious annual awards program celebrating around 350 producers and more than 400 hospitality venues, has had its website suspended and is currently unreachable. Administrators from Bristol-based SWBR have been appointed through the High Court in Bristol, but no official explanation has been provided for the company’s sudden financial collapse.
Taste of the West counted notable patrons including King Charles III, Dorset’s Clipper Tea, Plymouth’s Burts Snacks, and Exeter’s Goosemoor Foodservice among its supporters. The organization’s mission was to promote and support the West Country’s culinary scene, bringing together producers, distributors, and retailers under one banner.
In light of the collapse, a coalition of industry professionals—comprising business owners, marketing experts, food producers, and event organizers—are reportedly exploring ways to revive the group. Meanwhile, regional bodies like Food Drink Devon have stepped forward to reassure affected businesses. Greg Parsons, Chair of Food Drink Devon, emphasized the importance of solidarity, stating, “We want to remind all those involved in the county’s food and drink industry that Food Drink Devon is here to help. Our membership is open to all businesses, from start-ups to established names, and we encourage Devon-based members to join our events at members’ rates throughout 2025.”
Financial records reveal that Taste of the West transitioned to a community interest company earlier this year, but accounts for the year ending June 2023 showed net liabilities exceeding £44,000 with no profit reported. Despite this, directors remained optimistic about the company’s prospects going forward, anticipating growth and positive contributions as trading conditions improve.
Chris Milton, former sales director at Thatchers Cider, highlighted on the Rise and Shine platform the critical role Taste of the West plays in supporting its members, describing its existence as essential in the current challenging climate. Efforts to stabilize and potentially rescue the organization are ongoing, with updates promised as plans materialize.
As the South West food industry awaits clarity on Taste of the West’s future, the spirit of collaboration and resilience within the community remains strong.
