News

Come back every week to find new blogs and news articles. Stay updated with the latest from the food and drink sector both nationally and within our region.

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The Sustainability Series: Tackling Food Waste in Food & Drink

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 26.10.25 Every year, around 9.5 million tonnes of food are wasted in the UK alone. That’s not just lost meals — it’s wasted energy, water, and resources too. For food and drink brands, reducing waste isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for business and...

Brand Together: Collaborate with Norwich University of the Arts

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 23.10.25 Connecting creativity, collaboration, and brand growth.

The Sustainability Series: Rethinking Packaging in Food & Drink

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 12.10.25 When it comes to sustainability, packaging is one of the biggest challenges — and opportunities — in the food and drink industry. Consumers are demanding eco-friendly solutions, and brands are responding with creativity, innovation, and a commitment ...

SUCSEED Launches with a Sell-Out Success

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 08.10.25 We’re thrilled to celebrate the incredible success of Sucseed, one of Tastebuds’ rising stars, who have just completed a sell-out launch at the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival!

Wish to part-own an established FMCG business?

Finedale Foods

calendar_month 02.10.25 Finedale Foods are exploring an opportunity to purchase an ambient snack brand with presence within retail, wholesale, alongside a strong D2C following.

Tastebuds Collective: September Round-Up

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 30.09.25 From showcasing members on a national stage to making our office a little cosier, we’ve been keeping the energy high and the community spirit strong. Here’s a peek at what we’ve been up to.

The Sustainability Series: How Food & Drink Brands Can Make a Difference

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 28.09.25 Sustainability has become more than just a buzzword in the food and drink industry — it’s a responsibility. From how ingredients are grown to the packaging they’re delivered in, every choice a brand makes has an impact on people and the planet.

Seasonal Eating in the UK: What’s Fresh This Month

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 24.09.25 There’s something special about eating with the seasons. Not only does seasonal produce taste better — fresher, sweeter, more vibrant — but it also supports local growers and reduces food miles.

The Norwich FAB Four

Zena Leech-Calton

calendar_month 02.09.25 Four reasons why you should turn your attention to Flour a& Bean.

Getting to Grips with Sales – The First Steps to Growth

Relish Marketing

calendar_month 28.08.25 Practical tips to start selling with confidence — without feeling like a pushy salesperson.

Norfolk Mushroomery are finalists for new product of 2025

Norfolk Mushroomery

calendar_month 11.08.25 Find out more about Norfolk Mushroomery as finalists of SFFF new product development category.

Unlock Growth at Tastebuds HQ: Free Mentoring & Expert Support for Food & Drink Businesses

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 07.08.25 Calling all food and drink founders, start-ups, and scaling brands—are you ready to take your business to the next level?

We’re Heading to Speciality & Fine Food Fair – And Bringing 6 Incredible Local Brands With Us!

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 05.08.25 We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be attending this year’s Speciality & Fine Food Fair – one of the UK’s leading events for showcasing artisan food, drink, and independent brands.

The Puff Puffs, the Sisters and the Great Beer Swap

Zena Leech-Calton

calendar_month 15.07.25 Of course, I am talking about the first (of many) Tastebuds Collaboration Awards!

Winners of the Inaugural Tastebuds Food & Drink Collaboration Awards!

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 10.07.25 On 8 July 2025, the heart of Norwich came alive as Tastebuds Collective hosted its first-ever Collaboration Awards at Carrow House—an evening dedicated to celebrating ingenuity, partnership, and community in the food and drink sector.

Celebrating Innovation and Partnership: Meet the Finalists for the Food & Drink Collaboration Awards 2025

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 26.06.25 At the heart of the food and drink industry lies a simple truth: we’re better when we work together.

Do all products really need a barcode? Unpacking the myths and benefits for your business

Vdepot

calendar_month 17.06.25 Here at Tastebuds, we understand that barcodes are crucial for food and drink brands, not only because they ensure fast and accurate product identification at checkout and across supply chains.

Postcards from Alex

Alexander Larter

calendar_month 05.06.25 Hear what Alex has been working on behind-the-scenes to make Tastebuds the success it is!

Tastebuds Collective Monthly Round-Up: May 2025

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 31.05.25 What a month it’s been at Tastebuds Collective! We’ve been busy, inspired, and energized — and we’re excited to bring you all the highlights from May, plus a sneak peek at what’s coming next.

Tastebuds Collective Wins UEA’s 2025 Impact and Innovation Award for Partnership of the Year

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 27.05.25 We’re thrilled to share that Tastebuds Collective has been honoured with the Partnership of the Year award at the 2025 UEA Innovation and Impact Awards!

What's Coming up at Tastebuds?

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 29.04.25 It’s an exciting time at Tastebuds! We’ve got plenty happening over the coming months—from the launch of our new HQ to awards, events, and student opportunities. Here’s a roundup of what’s on the horizon.

Tastebuds Conference - Review

Zena Leech-Calton

calendar_month 24.04.25 This article is a bit of a test on my memory, and since I'm post-menopausal and dyslexic, you may have to wish me luck.

Could co-working transform your business?

University of East Anglia

calendar_month 14.04.25 Are you working from home and finding it difficult to get motivated? Maybe your development and work area doesn’t leave much space for an office desk or headspace for strategic thinking?

A Feast for the Senses: Tastebuds Collective's First Artisan Market Triumphs

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 11.04.25 This past Wednesday, food and drink lovers gathered for an unforgettable experience at Tastebuds Collective’s inaugural Nourish Food and Drink Conference.

Guide to outsourcing food manufacturing

Finedale Foods

calendar_month 21.03.25 Choosing a third-party food manufacturer to produce your products is a big decision. It is a relationship that will last for years and is an essential component in the future success of your business.

Why a food & drink stall at the Nourish Conference is a must-have opportunity for your brand

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 06.03.25 Participating as a food and drink vendor at the upcoming Nourish Conference presents a unique opportunity to elevate your brand and expand your customer base.

Behind the Scenes at Tastebuds Collective: February Recap

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 28.02.25 February has been a month of progress, collaboration, and exciting opportunities at Tastebuds Collective. From launching a new online resource to supporting businesses and networking at key industry events, we’ve been busy laying the groundwork for f...

Shelf-life Success: How Tastebuds Collective & Brandland brought Norwich’s food scene to life

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 27.02.25 On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Anteros Arts Foundation in Norwich buzzed with energy as food and drink enthusiasts gathered for "Shelf-life: Stand Out and Stand for Something."

Why Sponsor Tastebuds Collective?

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 20.02.25 Find out why and how you should sponsor your local food and drink network.

Free student collaborations to get your business supercharged!

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 18.02.25 Grow your business by working on a free collaboration with students from business analytics and management course at Norwich Business School.

Why MENTA is Supporting Tastebuds Collective with Free Memberships for Startups

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 12.02.25 Starting a food business is no small feat. From navigating regulations to building a brand and finding the right customers, early-stage entrepreneurs face countless challenges.

Pitch your food and drink brand to innovators and buyers in just 2 minutes!

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 10.02.25 Connect with the next wave of innovators to discuss partnerships to shape the future of the industry.

Love is in the air....

Zena Leech-Calton

calendar_month 04.02.25 Well, at least in Norwich it is.

Behind the scenes of January

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 31.01.25 January has been a whirlwind month for Tastebuds Collective, filled with fresh opportunities, exciting collaborations, and big plans for the year ahead. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what we’ve been up to and what’s coming next for our members!

Have you booked your tickets yet?

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 28.01.25 Join Tastebuds for a full day celebrating food, drink and learning set to take place on Tuesday 9th April at The Forum.

Shelf-life: stand out and stand for something

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 27.01.25 Shelf-life is here to help you take your business to the next level.

Looking ahead: 3 reasons to get involved

Alexander Larter

calendar_month 22.01.25 2025 is here, already.

Nourish Food & Drink Conference & Tastebuds Market 2025

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 21.01.25 Join Tastebuds for a full day celebrating food, drink and learning set to take place on Tuesday 9th April at The Forum, Norwich.

Digital marketing tips for a successful 2025

Holly Stibbon - 101 Websites, Apps & Email Marketing

calendar_month 09.01.25 With the festive rush over, the start of a new year is a great time for food and drink businesses to step back and reflect on their marketing activities.

Coconut-Crispy Tofu: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Veganuary

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 06.01.25 Veganuary is the perfect time to explore new plant-based recipes, and if you’re looking for something simple, satisfying, and full of flavour, this Coconut-Crispy Tofu is a must-try!

January - maybe Veganuary

Zena Leech-Calton

calendar_month 03.01.25 Even if you're not going full-blown vegan this January, you could maybe do a day or two.

Tastebuds Collective: Reflecting on an Incredible Year of Success

Charlotte-Louise Beach

calendar_month 01.01.25 As 2024 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the many milestones and achievements we’ve reached together at Tastebuds Collective.

Storytelling - the secret ingredient to your success

calendar_month 19.12.24 Amy and Becky delivered an interactive brand storytelling workshop to food and drink entrepreneurs and businesses from across East Anglia.

Christmas Gifting the Norfolk Way

calendar_month 12.12.24 Is there anything that the fine people of Norfolk don’t produce for us to consume – I’ve racked my brain and I can’t think of much.

Reflections on the EcoBite Summit: A Step Towards a Sustainable Food Future

calendar_month 10.12.24 Last week, the EcoBite Summit brought together industry leaders, innovators, and sustainability enthusiasts at an event hosted by Tastebuds Collective and NAAME, whilst sponsored by Connected Innovation.

Woodforde’s Becomes Founding Sponsor of the Tastebuds Collective

calendar_month 26.11.24 We’re thrilled to announce that Woodforde’s Brewery, a cornerstone of Norfolk’s brewing heritage, has joined forces with the Tastebuds Collective as a founding sponsor!

Meet the Minds at the Ecobite Summit: Academics Shaping a Sustainable Future

calendar_month 22.11.24 The Ecobite Summit isn't just another event; it’s a melting pot of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

Collaborations with Australian Students

calendar_month 14.11.24 Read about the incredible collaborations that were created between food and drink businesses and Australian students.

EcoBite Summit: Innovating Sustainability in the Food & Drink Sector

calendar_month 11.11.24 The EcoBite Summit is set to be a transformative event, showcasing key discussions on sustainability, innovation, and cost-effective practices in the food and drink industry.

Fight on Food Waste - The issue at hand and exploring the bigger picture

calendar_month 07.11.24 Hear an introduction into the fight of food waste by Rowen from Waste Not Rowen.

A Budget Summary from Lovewell Blake

calendar_month 06.11.24 Chris Solt and Lewis Perretta from Lovewell Blake update us on the announcements made in Rachel Reeves most recent budget.

Food and drink trends for 2024/25

calendar_month 04.11.24 As we look ahead to 2024 and 2025, the UK’s food and drink landscape is poised for exciting transformations. With evolving consumer preferences, sustainability taking centre stage, and a growing interest in health and wellness, these trends are set t...

What has happened this month?

calendar_month 31.10.24 As we step into November, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the incredible accomplishments of Tastebuds Collective over the past month. October has been a whirlwind of connections, collaborations, and creative endeavours, and we’re thrilled to share ...

Why become a paid member?

calendar_month 29.10.24 In today’s competitive landscape, businesses are always on the lookout for innovative ways to connect with their customers and enhance their offerings. One such opportunity lies in becoming a paid member of the Tastebuds Collective.

Norwich Cocktail Week with Zena

calendar_month 16.10.24 Hear how Zena brought Norwich Cocktail Week back from a 5-year gap.

Nutrevent 2024: Making Global Connections in Food & Nutrition

calendar_month 10.10.24 This week, the Tastebuds Collective team had the exciting opportunity to attend Nutrevent 2024 in Lille, France — one of Europe’s most important events in the food, health, and nutrition sectors. It was our first time attending, and we are thrilled w...

New Food & Drink Manufacturer ChatBox Is Here

calendar_month 08.10.24 Exciting times lie ahead in the food and beverage industry as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape how we approach everything from production processes to consumer experiences. Why not utilise Titan Brands Chat Box, Gary?

Tastebuds Collective's First Advisory Board Meeting: A Milestone in Our Journey

calendar_month 03.10.24 At Tastebuds Collective, we recently held our very first Advisory Board meeting, marking a significant milestone in our growth as a community-driven food and drink platform.

We have lift off!

calendar_month 30.09.24 Last Thursday we hosted a 'sell-out' launch event with founding members, Birketts. Your membership options are now open and the website is live.

Utilising Influencer Marketing for Food and Drink Brands

calendar_month 30.08.24 When used correctly, influencer marketing can be a beneficial tool to help increase brand awareness and online presence, whilst getting your business in front of those who matter the most.