In 2017, David Ward-Perkins led a team of consultants to produce a set of case studies on successful food hubs around the world. The work was undertaken for VisitBritain and DEFRA (UK Department of Food and Rural Affairs), who commissioned the work to gain insights into best practice in the field of food and drink tourism product development.

This set of case studies showcases successful development of food hubs around the world. Six major cases were identified, which includes hubs in urban, rural and coastal areas. They focused on areas with significant potential, where local food producers and processors receive strong support by agricultural agencies and where the tourism authorities have taken an active role in developing food tourism.

The six cases were: Catalonia, Melbourne, Tasmania, Nova Scotia and the Basque Country.

In particular, the cases detailed the strategic approach of the tourism authorities with respect to the stakeholder collaboration, development of new products, international distribution, trade and consumer engagement, partnerships and marketing.