Natasha Dochniak taking over not-for-profit CIC Hampshire Fare

A FOOD group championing local producers has appointed a new commercial manager who is set to deliver a “bright new vision”.

Natasha Dochniak will take the reigns from Tracy Nash, who led the not-for-profit CIC Hampshire Fare and its 400 members for a decade.

Born in Southampton, Natasha studied at Bournemouth University before working on marketing campaigns for the National Trust. She moved to Australia to forge a career in partnership and sponsorship management, events and business development for significant operations such as Sydney Opera House, the Historic Houses Trust of NSW and FINSIA (Financial Services Institute of Australasia).

After returning to the UK, Natasha was working in financial services and not looking for a new challenge until a friend and long-standing member of Hampshire Fare, Sylvia Puckett, flagged up the opportunity at the organisation.

She said: “I am all about building long-term relationships, communication and collaborations. I consider it important to work for an organisation where your values align and I can see that Hampshire Fare is all about making a difference.

“I believe, looking forwards, I can make the group even more effective for its members in the food, drink, craft and farming communities.”

Tracy Nash said it had been “amazing to work with such a colourful array of businesses” over the past ten years.

“This is a business culture that wants to help each other,” she said. “I wish Natasha and the team all the very best for the next decade of celebrating local as one of the country’s leading food and drink groups.”

Will Dobson, chairman of Hampshire Fare, thanked Tracy for her “unstinting efforts” and said she leaves a “lasting legacy”.

“She has also left big boots to fill, however I think we have succeeded in filling them with the appointment of Natasha,” he said. “She brings such a wealth of experience to the role and is brimming with great ideas – we are excited to see what is in store for Hampshire Fare and its members.”

Established in 1991, Hampshire Fare promotes food, drink and craft producers, hospitality businesses, and retailers such as butchers, farm shops and village stores.

It works to increase awareness of the wide range of local produce available; encourages high standards and best practice; assists producers to compete as viable enterprises; and fosters all members’ development.

For more information, visit https://www.hampshirefare.co.uk/

Emma Caulton, Tracy Nash, Samantha Elliott-Smith (Board Member), Natasha Dochniak and Louise Harrington, all Hampshire Fare, at Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre. Please credit The Electric Eye Photography.