LOCAL producers of everything from bread to beer hoped to tap into millions of pounds’ worth of supply contracts at a special “meet the buyer” event.

More than 100 buyers turned out to sample their wares at the event, organised by trade body Business Southampton and country food group Hampshire Fare at the city’s Hilton Hotel.

Steve Hughes, of the Delicious Dining Group, Southampton’s largest restaurant company, said: “It’s very local and it’s not too big. It’s a cracking idea.”

Anne McDonald, of Sparsholt College’s Wessex Conference Centre, said she was interested in signing up a range of suppliers. “We are keen to get local produce in.”

Sally Linskey, chief executive of Business Southampton, said: “Many of the south’s leading buyers have made contacts with a number of niche suppliers from across Hampshire.”