Food retailers at the Suffolk Show have insisted the county has a “growing reputation” across the country for its “exceptional” produce.

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Hundreds of people have been packing out the Adnams Food and Drink Experience tent at the Suffolk Show in Trinity Park this morning.

The food industry employs around 9,000 people in Suffolk, contributing to the county’s food, drink and agriculture industry worth £400 million to the region.

Tim Mack, joint owner of Mack & Bruce, which promotes Rendlesham-based Stokes Sauces at public events, said: “The Suffolk Show gets bigger and better every year and I believe the food industry plays a huge role in Suffolk.

“Suffolk is now recognised around the country of being a prominent producer of great food known for its exceptional quality. We have a growing reputation and are definitely on the food map.

“Growing numbers of people are becoming health-conscience and pound-conscience. They want high-quality food, which Suffolk produces, and are more wary of food from around the world pumped with unnatural things – so it is very important to support our local, independent food retailers.”

Andrew Samalionis, co-owner of Gourmet Brownie based in Ely, said he was “overwhelmed” at his first-ever Suffolk Show.

“It was packed out at 9am,” he said, before insisting Suffolk has a significant artisan culture of niche food producers.

He said: “People are becoming more and more enticed by our products. Lots of food businesses are coming up with really great ideas and are connecting with customers, and people are getting wise to the fact a lot of food comes from overseas which adds to the carbon footprint. People want better quality from the local area.”

He added: “Suffolk’s food industry is big and we are hoping to take the brand to Ipswich and Suffolk. We are talking to an Ipswich company which has a number of coffee shops and we think there is appetite for it.”

Georgina Martin, marketing assistant for Hillfarm Oils, which launched at the Suffolk Show 11 years ago and is based at their family farm in Heveningham, said: “People like to support the farming community and know they are buying great products which have great health benefits.

“The Suffolk Show keeps getting bigger and bigger each year. It is ridiculous. It’s a great venue to promote local produce and everybody seems to be doing really well.

“Suffolk is producing fantastic food and that is why consumers are getting behind us and staying loyal.

“People are definitely becoming more educated about local food and its health benefits, and supporting the local economy.

Hector Bunting, marketing chief for Musk’s Newmarket sausages, said: “I think the food industry has a growing reputation in Suffolk. It stands out because of our great products.

“For us, it starts from sourcing fantastic, fully sourceable pork which produces high quality sausages.

“I attend many shows and having the Suffolk Show on our home patch is a great place to speak to our regular customers and offer them some fantastic deals.”