THE food industry in Yorkshire has increased its turnover by more than £2.5m over the past year.

With the help of the Regional Food Group, it created 152 new jobs, and safeguarded 300 existing ones.

And the group played a significant role in setting up eight new businesses.

The Regional Food Group was set up in 2002 with funds from regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and the organisation Food from Britain.

Its role is to provide a one-stop shop for all trade, consumer and media inquires, and act as a centralised support network for the region's food and drink industry.

Executive director Karen Carlyle said: "The quality, diversity and range of speciality produce made in Yorkshire rivals that of any other county in Great Britain and competes on an international level - evidenced by the 19 gold medals at the Great Taste Awards, the Oscars of the speciality food industry."

Regional Food Group Members are given the opportunity to exhibit at 24 consumer shows and five trade shows under the branding Deliciouslyorkshire.

"Local products often come from very small producers, so the Regional Food Group is a key player in forging relationships with the big multiples and independent grocers that are risk-free," said Ms Carlyle.