Exeter Chamber members enjoy networking lunch at Exeter Food Festival

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Wednesday, May 25, 2016 - 11:34am

More than 100 guests attended the latest Exeter Chamber of Commerce networking lunch which took place at the 2016 Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink.

The event was sponsored by Paignton Zoo and delegates were given a presentation on the coffee industry and specifically the impact that coffee producers have on the environment.

Simon Tonge, Executive Director of Paignton Zoo, said “The lunch is a great way for Paignton Zoo, as an environmental and conservation charity, to reach a wide range of businesses and speak to a large number of business people. The Chamber’s members are key decision-makers who want to be well-informed.”

The speakers at this event included Amy Plowman, Director of Conservation and Education at Paignton Zoo and Marie-Ann Rogers from Masteroast Coffee Company Limited.

Both Amy and Marie-Ann discussed the current situation of rainforests across the world, the environmental impact of coffee and the conservation benefits of using Rainforest Alliance coffee and most importantly, the threats by not doing so.

Derek Phillips, Vice President of Exeter Chamber and Chairman of the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink, said “The Chamber lunch at the Food Festival, now a regular event in the Chamber calendar, is always extremely popular with our members. We are grateful too for Paignton Zoo’s sponsorship for a third year and their fascinating presentation on coffee and the ethics which surround the topic.”

The next Exeter Chamber networking lunch will be taking place on Wednesday 18th May at the Mercure Rougemont Hotel. To book a place on this lunch, please visit the Exeter Chamber website or call 01392 431133.

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