Hundreds of people involved in tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses went on a day of discovery at the recent Supplier to Buyer event held in Pembrokeshire.

New products and marketing opportunities, inspiration, ideas and encouragement were all on offer from more than 80 trade exhibitors and tourism experts at the regional trade event.

It was brought together for the benefit of the industry in South-West Wales by Pembrokeshire Tourism and Pembrokeshire County Council's food team, and also featured the launch of Ffres - an exciting new web-based initiative at http://www.ffres.org">www.ffres.org, designed to bring together all those involved in the region's burgeoning food tourism sector.

The Brithdir Hall exhibition centre at Haverfordwest's Withybush Showground also welcomed the head of Visit Wales, Jonathaan Jones, who led workshops with renowned food critic Simon Wright, Pembrokeshire County Council's deputy leader, Clr. Jamie Adams and Brian Jones from Castell Howell Foods.

Visitors were able to sample local beers, ciders and cheeses in a tasting session led by Pembrokeshire County Council's food officer, Kate Morgan and watch Linda Hunt of Meigan Designs showing how to create budget bedroom makeovers using local suppliers.

There was also plenty of opportunity to talk to providers of vital services such as digital marketing, furniture, security and environmental recycling, who were delighted with the contacts they made.

"It was a great networking opportunity," said Elen Morris from Whitland-based Calon Wen Organic Foods.

And Lyndon Belt, of Templeton Beer, Wine and Spirit Co Ltd., commented: "The event was really useful to increase brand awareness."

Pembrokeshire Tourism's chairman, Huw Pendleton said the organisation was 'overwhelmed' by the amount of trade who visited, and the high quality of exhibitors.

He added: "The mix of suppliers really did recognise how tourism impacts on the whole economy.

"Alongside some fantastic local food producers, we also had on board highly-skilled technological practitioners in recognition of the digital progression of the industry."