A new website has launched celebrating the fantastic food and drink on offer across Dorset.

Dorset Food and Drink has launched a new website, pocket guide and membership packages to celebrate, support and nurture the thriving sector.

The organisation is run as a not-for-profit community enterprise company and has just welcomed Beaminster-based Clipper Tea and Thomas J Fudge as their newest gold members. They are supported by Dorset Growth Hub, Kingston Maurward College, NFU Mutual, and Porter Dodson.

Katherine Wright, Dorset Food and Drink co-ordinator, said: “Food and drink in Dorset is at the very heart of our way of life and if you love food, and you need look no further than our lush pastures and miles of World Heritage coastline famous for locally produced food and drink that is difficult to beat.

It’s hard to beat the quality and diversity of our local produce. Just look at the variety of producers, award winning cafes and restaurants, markets, local shops and fantastic food festivals – bursting with the freshest, finest produce and ingredients.

By visiting our new website you’ll soon see why Dorset is a gourmet heaven and what attracts thousands of visitors to experience Dorset’s best; whether at home or on holiday.

We’re sure you’ll agree that such a mouth-watering culinary heritage together with the influx of millennial gastronomic delights, makes Dorset a foodie paradise and the new Dorset Food & Drink’s website brings together Dorset’s excellent producers, farm shops, delis, caterers, restaurants, hotels, cookery schools and events.”

She added: “I’m so proud of what Dorset has to offer in terms of food and drink and the goal was to produce a website that showcases the amazing array of high-quality producers and outlets, in an inviting, energic, visual and inspiring way, which once you have visited the new site you will see for yourself it does.”

Tom Munro, one of the eight new board members of the company, said a website upgrade was ‘just what the chef ordered’.

““e wanted another channel to connect with followers in a way that is user-friendly, customer-centric, and aligned with the DF&D brand, and I’m confident we hit the mark.

The website dorsetfoodandrink.org was launched on Monday (Apr16).

Alongside the new website is a paper pocket directory so you can start to find great food and

drink as you travel around the county.

Look out for your free copy at Tourist Information Centres or from Dorset Food and Drink at this season’s food fairs and festivals.