BITE kitchen opens doors to local business

University College Birmingham has recently held its first Business Start Up and Improvement Event for individuals and businesses involved in African and Caribbean Cuisine.

Attendees came from a range of business environments and listened to presentations from both established companies and business at various stages of the start-up process. Wade Lynn of Cleone Foods spoke about his product development experience with Tescos and Vivienne Honeyghan of Rita's Caribbean Choice talked attendees through the early stages of a range of Caribbean style drinks.

Barclays Bank and Business Link also attended the event to talk about the financial side of setting up in business and UCB's product development kitchen staff were on hand to talk about the facilities available for the development and testing of food and drink products.

Attendees were also treated to a demonstration and tasting session held in University College Birmingham's new BITE (Business Innovations in Taste and Excellence) Food Innovation Facility which is supported by Advantage West Midlands. The chef's traditional African Caribbean food with a twist looked at ideas to tailor recipes for the mainstream UK market and there was also plenty of time for Networking whilst sipping rum-style punch.