Perthshire Chamber of Commerce showcased a range of local produce and businesses at their annual Perthshire On A Plate (POAP) food festival sponsored by Binn Group at the Perth Show.

The two-day event brought together food and drink producers from across the region to showcase and sell their products, as well as providing a platform for local chefs to demonstrate their skills.

In the Cookery Theatre sponsored by Studio East Architects, celebrity chef, Cherish Finden, not only delighted audience members with her fascinating cooking and baking techniques, but also had them up on their feet dancing and singing with her energetic and passionate performances. Alongside Cherish, local chefs Chris Rowley of Ballintaggart, Tom Lewis of Monachyle Mhor, Masterchef finalist Sarah Rankin (Sarah Rankin Cooks), Wendy Barrie, Personal Chef Adam Newth and Neil Mugg and Cliver Lamb of UHI Perth helped showcase local produce through their own recipes by linking with many of the producers at POAP. Producers generously offered up a delicious range of local ingredients and chefs had created recipes to show how these versatile and delicious products can enhance dishes. The smooth running of this packed demo programme was, once again, ensured by the team of UHI Perth students managed by Neil and Clive who support every chef involved.

Producers temped shoppers and provided tastings, and fine food and drink was on offer in the festival’s popular pop-up restaurants covered dining area which luckily had extra hay bale seating options for busy periods.

A welcome visitor this year was Artus Galiay, the Hauts-de-France’s UK representative and Director at Nord France Invest, who is partnering with the Perthshire Chamber to promote the area and explore export and investment opportunities. Artus met with several businesses, from a range of sectors and of varying sizes, during his trade visit and plans are well underway to develop a programme of events to support and build international business development.

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive and POAP organiser, Vicki Unite, highlighted the valuable support the event attracts from the business community and the visiting public.

“Running a food festival of this scale is a significant undertaking and it wouldn’t be possible without the backing of several businesses and organisations,” she said. “Their sponsorship or practical support allows us to celebrate what the area has to offer and provide an enjoyable couple of days out.

“As a Chamber, we realise the value of our food and drink industry to the local economy and are proud to stage an event which puts it in the spotlight alongside the farming community to continue to foster the “farm to fork” ethos – and we love being part of the Perth Show.

“We also appreciate the support from all those taking stands and of course the visitors who join us to watch the demos, make purchases and eat and drink in the PopUp area. We are also extremely grateful to our team of wonderful volunteers who work their socks off during the Festival.”

POAP has provided an extra dimension to Perth Show since 2016, allowing food production and farming to be celebrated side by side.

Companies and organisations providing sponsorship and support to this year’s Perthshire On A Plate include: Binn Group, UHI Perth, Studio East Architects, Mercure Hotel Perth, The Bean Shop, Instant Image, Flonix, Perthshire Advertiser, Strathmore Volvo, Fraser Bruce Group, D&A Sinclair of East Dron Farm and George Campbell & Sons.

Full picture gallery and information of producers, popups and chefs at www.PerthshireOnAPlate.co.uk