The post-war years saw a massive decline in the Lea Valleys industrial base. This was particularly marked by the collapse in furniture, electronics and electrical manufacturing that had been affected by cheap imports from countries abroad who had developed and streamlined their industries during the war years. Also affecting the collapse was a reluctance by some British manufacturers to invest and update their businesses in the light of the increasing overseas competition.

However, in recent years the Lea Valley has seen a marked increase in the manufacture, development and distribution of food and drink products within the region. This upsurge has, in a way, complemented the work of earlier food and drink producers, several of whom have increased their product range and are now not only supplying and sustaining the British consumer markets, but also a number of markets overseas.

This book not only uncovers the Lea Valleys emerging food and drink industry, but also highlights the history of those regional establishments that provided sustenance for earlier generations.

While it is not possible to cover every food retailer, manufacturer, wholesaler and microbrewery within the Lea Valley region, it is hoped that those establishments mentioned in this book will give the reader a flavour of how the valleys food and drink industries are evolving and changing. 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.