East Anglian food producers showcased their produce to Chinese students at an event celebrating the region’s fastest growing export sector with the country.

More than 200 Chinese students were at the Norwich Business School event, organised by LinksEast, an East Anglian organisation promoting trade with China. It took place on the University of East Anglia (UEA) campus as part of its Food for Thought Network.

Among the 10 food and drink producers taking part were celebrated Tiptree jam makers Wilkin & Sons, and cold-pressed rapeseed oil producers Hillfarm Oils of Heveningham, near Halesworth.

LinksEast director Annie Eaves said: “LinksEast is delighted to be involved with this UEA initiative in promoting local artisan food and drink from Suffolk and Norfolk to the Chinese undergraduates and post graduate students.

“The Gateway to China initiative follows on from The Spirit of Youth campaign where the Ambassador, proud University of East Anglian Alumina and famous Chinese film star Jiang Shuying, visited in the summer to show her interest and support in this regional food and drink sector.

“I thought this event was a perfect example of how successful it is when education and industry work together for a common goal, in this case promoting our most successful and fastest growing export produce (food and drink) to China from the East of England.”

The event, led by Professor Andrew Fearne, was aimed at promoting trade with China, offering local producers from Norfolk and Suffolk

an opportunity to develop the key market.

Feedback from the day from almost 150 students and will be used to help with research and export development to China.