Hampshire Fare celebrates 35 years of championing local!

Hampshire Fare has celebrated its 35th anniversary by bringing more than 100 members, partners and supporters together for a special evening celebrating at New Forest Fruits and B58 Winery, hosted by Sandy and Kate Booth.

With 14 members showcasing their businesses, the September celebration had a mini Hampshire food festival feel, giving guests the opportunity to discover local businesses, sample their products and connect with fellow members. The evening also recognised 23 businesses that have been Hampshire Fare members for 20 years or more, with each receiving a commemorative plate in recognition of their long-standing support.

Hampshire Fare Commercial Director Natasha Dochniak said:

“It’s not every day you get to celebrate 35 years, and I felt incredibly proud to be standing alongside our members and celebrating everything Hampshire Fare has become.

“For me, Hampshire Fare really comes down to three things: people, passion and produce. The people are what make Hampshire Fare, the passion is what drives it, and the incredible businesses behind our local produce are what give us something so special to champion.

“I’m also incredibly lucky to have Natalie Hargreaves and Laura Smith alongside me. We’re a very small team, but between us we work incredibly hard to support our members, create opportunities and keep Hampshire Fare moving forward. Seeing everyone come together to celebrate 35 years was a lovely reminder of just how much can be achieved when people work together.

“But our 35th anniversary isn’t just about looking back. It’s about looking ahead and continuing to create opportunities for our members to connect, collaborate, learn from one another and champion what makes our local food, drink, hospitality and craft community so special.”

Established in 1991, Hampshire Fare is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) that champions local food, drink and craft businesses across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Today, it brings together more than 350 members, including producers, farmers, hospitality businesses, retailers, makers and suppliers.

The celebration also marked the launch of Hampshire Fare’s 35th anniversary book, which members were invited to sign with messages and memories, creating a lasting record of the people and businesses behind the organisation’s story.

Hampshire Fare thanked New Forest Fruits and B58 Winery for hosting, alongside the members and suppliers who helped make the evening special.

The anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year, including a special members’ dinner in November at Winchester Hotel & Spa.