Portsmouth’s food and drink sector gathered in unprecedented numbers on Wednesday 11 June for Eat the Island networking event at Portsmouth Distillery, with over 60 businesses launching Southsea Food Festival 2025.
The networking gathering, organised by Portsmouth City Council alongside Hampshire Fare, the Queens Hotel, and Portsmouth Distillery, provided a platform for local producers, retailers, and hospitality venues to forge new partnerships and strengthen regional supply chains.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with economic development responsibilities, commented: “Eat the Island is creating real momentum for Portsmouth’s food and drink businesses. We’re seeing more venues sourcing locally and producers expanding their reach both within the city and beyond. Events like this are key to building a resilient, connected local economy.”
The councillor also encouraged businesses to consider developing products for Portsmouth’s centenary as a city in 2026, stating: “It was inspiring to speak to so many thriving local businesses at the event, and also encourage them to think of any products they might want to produce next year to mark Portsmouth’s 100-year anniversary.”
Sainsbury’s Fareham supermarket plan decision expected by month-end
Participants experienced product demonstrations from regional producers whilst networking and exchanging ideas. The programme included brief presentations showcasing success stories and practical guidance on local sourcing.
Vince Noyce, Co-Founder and Operations Director at Portsmouth Distillery, stated: “Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Hosting Eat the Island allows us to support the wider food and drink community while celebrating Portsmouth’s distilling heritage.”
Natasha Dochniak, Commercial Manager at Hampshire Fare, said: “Eat the Island is a fantastic example of what happens when passionate people come together with a shared vision. Hampshire Fare is proud to champion the producers and hospitality venues who are putting our region on the culinary map, and we’re delighted to work in partnership with Portsmouth City Council to support the city’s growing food and drink scene. Events like this don’t just spark new opportunities, they strengthen the sense of community that’s so essential to a thriving local food economy.”
Paul Playford, General Manager of the Queens Hotel, added: “We’re proud to support Eat the Island. There’s so much talent and creativity in Portsmouth’s food scene, and we’re committed to championing local producers wherever we can.”
The event emphasises connection, innovation, and sustainability as core elements in developing Portsmouth’s food and drink economy.
Additional information and future event details are available at: investportsmouth.co.uk/eat-the-island
