Some of the top cookery students in Cornwall and Devon have gained insights into current and future trends in the food sector following a trip to a culinary-focused trade show. 

The Source Trade Show, held at Westpoint Exhibition Centre in Exeter, gave professional cookery students at Cornwall College Saltash the chance to explore the latest innovation in a food sector that is worth £2.6 billion annually and boasts more than 2,200 businesses and more than 60,000 employees in the South West.

The group were tasked with exploring the variety and types of food available and researching local producers as the trip forms part of their theory assignment which encourages students to explore future food trends and design their own restaurant and menu.

Former Marine Academy student Cory McNeil, who is taking the Level 3 technical diploma in professional cookery at the college, said he found one of the biggest trends was ’gluten-free food and drink, from cake products to meat products such as burgers and sausages.

’We also found there was a slightly smaller trend in herbs and micro herbs with many different taste, textures and sensations on your tongue.’