Top South Devon chef Simon Hulstone went on a taste offensive yesterday.The proprietor of Torquay's Michelin-star Elephant Restaurant is spearheading a campaign to promote the use of authentic local food in Torbay.

The West Country Food and Drink Tasting Day at Torquay's Livermead House Hotel saw producers tempting the tastebuds with locally-produce food.

The drive is being mounted by Torbay Hospitality Association, Taste of the West and Caterfood (South West).
It follows last month's revelation by the BBC that a significant amount of beef labelled as 'local' or 'British' sold in South West pubs and restaurants actually originates from abroad.

Mr Hulstone hopes to encourage hoteliers and restaurateurs to feature more local produce on their menus.

Research shows that more than 70 per cent of consumers now want to buy local food.

Gordon Oliver, chairman of the Torbay Hospitality Association, said: "With consumer tastes changing, our members are in a unique position to provide their customers with some of Europe's finest produce. The value of such an offering only adds to the tourism appeal of the region, attracting tourists from across the world to one of the UK's premier holiday resorts."

Mark Felton, managing director of Caterfood (South West), said "Our relationship with Taste of the West has enabled us to source from 125 different South West companies and therefore remain dedicated to supplying the catering trade with fresh, seasonal, local produce year-round.

"By sourcing from the South West, we are ensuring the local economy benefits and that we are supporting our thriving food and drink industry."

John Sheaves, chief executive of Taste of the West, added: "With food and energy costs rising at a disturbing rate nationally and potential for a static tourism market, I believe that Torbay Hospitality Association members now have a tremendous opportunity for better-targeted promotions, highlighting their offering of locally sourced produce. Such an initiative can only enhance the destination appeal of the South West."