The South Hams encourages its tourism businesses and local residents, to use locally sourced food and drink.

The South Hams Food and Drink Association

The South Hams Food & Drink Association was formed in 1992 to promote the variety and excellence of food & drink produced within the South Hams area. The members are not only food producers but also restaurateurs, hoteliers, publicans and speciality food retailers whose respective reputations for excellence continue to attract a discerning clientele. They are supported by South Hams District Council and are now a limited company with over 60 members.

The South Hams Food and Drink Guide designed to help visitors and locals to find the best and most scrumptious local food and drink. By following the food trail it is possible to visit some of the most unique food and drink producers in Devon.

The South Hams Agriculture Forum

The South Hams Agriculture Forum was initiated by South Hams District Council in November 1997. The Council recognised the economic importance of agriculture to the South Hams and the need for the Council to become more actively supportive of the industry. One of the forum initiatives has been to develop farmers markets in the South Hams. This idea was supported by the Council and through a public/private partnership this has been brought to fruition. However this would not have happened without the commitment and generous financial support from the District Council.

Farmers’ Markets

The South Hams District Council supports Farmers’ Markets within the district together with the South Hams Agricultural Forum under the motto ‘local food, for local people, from a local source’.

We believe the South Hams to be an example of best practice in the integration, business development and promotion of the food and drink industry. Local tourism businesses are encouraged to use local produce thus supporting not only the community but also sustainable tourism. If food is sourced from inside the area, transportation is reduced and thus the toll on the environment. This also adds to the South Hams experience for the visitor giving them a real taste of the area.

For more information, please download our pdf information sheet: ‘ Buy Local Campaign’ (251kb)