Several local producers are set to join UK and worldwide buyers, journalists, dignitaries and industry leaders for Wales’ first international food and drink event.

BlasCymru/TasteWales, staged at the Celtic Manor resort in Newport on March 23 and 24, will bring the entire industry under one roof to showcase the best the nation has to offer when it comes to food and drink.

More than 100 of Wales’s top producers will be exhibiting, with Monmouthshire represented by the likes of Trealy Farm Charcuterie of Goytre, Abergavenny Fine Foods and Apple County Cider based near Skenfrith.

Confirmed delegates at the event include buyers and representatives from as far afield as the United States, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

Also present will be the recent BBC Apprentice winner Alana Spencer, as she exhibits her new venture, Ridiculously Rich by Alana for the first time since her recent victory, as well as delivering a talk at the conference held on the first day.

“It’s not only exciting to be involved in such a showcase of producers in Wales but also a great opportunity to develop business partnerships and build success,” she said.

“It’s rare to have so many senior buyers from retailers and wholesalers and I am very much looking forward to the opportunities it will bring.”

The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths AM, will be hosting the event and making a number of important announcements in connection with the sector.

“Bringing together individuals and organisations from across the industry, BlasCymru/TasteWales will provide the platform for us to display the strength, success and pride we have in Welsh food and drink and help us continue with the positive trajectory we are currently on as we strive to reach our 30% growth target by 2020,” she said.