FISH, ice cream, spirits, and vegan “raw energy balls” are among the products on sale at an artisan food and drink show next month.

The showcase of Sussex food and drink is being held at a Good Food Growth Meet The Buyer event at East Sussex National Hotel near Uckfield on February 3.

More than 30 companies will be pitching products to buyers, from meat, dairy and baked goods companies to wine, beer and spirits.

They are offering tastings, too.

There will be beer from Bedlam Brewery, cider from Bignose and Beardy and sparkling wine from Court Garden.

There will be products from Downsview Dairy, ice cream from Latchetts Farm, conserves from Ouse Valley Foods and seafood from Veasey and Sons Fishmongers.

The vegan food company Vegelove will be serving up “energy balls” made from nuts and dates – perfect, the company says, for “yogis and other active people”.

Graham Peters, vice chairman at South East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The event will include a range of the very best produce from our region with the goal of attracting more customers for our local businesses.

“We want to encourage shops, wholesalers and restaurants, both inside and outside the region, to serve and sell more produce made here in East Sussex.

“A recent Which? Survey revealed 90 per cent of people in the UK are more likely to buy British-made products and that local food and drink is good for the environment.”

The Good Food Growth project is funded by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership with support from East Sussex County Council. It is intended to boost the local rural economy.

There are still some free places available for food and drink producers to book a table at the event and buyers – from farm shop owners, chefs, caterers, wholesalers or multiple

retailers – can register by emailing paula@naturalpr.biz.