The post-waryears saw a massive decline in the Lea Valley’s industrial base. This was particularlymarked by the collapse in furniture, electronics and electrical manufacturingthat had been affected by cheap imports from countries abroad who had developedand streamlined their industries during the war years. Also affecting thecollapse was a reluctance by some British manufacturers to invest and updatetheir businesses in the light of the increasing overseas competition. However,in recent years the Lea Valley has seen amarked increase in the manufacture, development and distribution of food anddrink products within the region. This upsurge has, in a way, complemented thework of earlier food and drink producers, several of whom have increased theirproduct range and are now not only supplying and sustaining the Britishconsumer markets, but also a number of markets overseas.This book not only uncovers the Lea Valley’s emerging food and drinkindustry, but also highlights the history of those regional establishmentsthat provided sustenance for earlier generations. While it is not possible to cover every food retailer, manufacturer, wholesalerand microbrewery within the Lea Valley region, it ishoped that those establishments mentioned in this book will give the reader a“flavour” of how the valley’s food and drink industries are evolving andchanging. In fact, it would seem that before this book has reached the printer, another micro-brewery has popped up or a new food wholesaler,manufacturer and distributor has emerged.
