HAWKSHEAD Relish director Maria Whitehead took to the airwaves to chat about her 20 years in the food industry, including the recent visit by HRH Prince Charles to the company's Esthwaite base.

Maria was invited to London to record a podcast for food radio programme Foodtalk, which will air today (Thursday, July 18) at 4pm.

She talked about the Lake District company's forthcoming recipe book and also shared bottles of its best-selling Black Garlic Ketchup with her hosts at Food Talk Radio.

Each week food and drink experts from across the country are invited to the studio to discuss trends in everything from distribution and delivery, to taste profiles and food technology innovation.

The programme reaches millions of people in the UK and beyond, through online platforms, syndicated radio stations and social media.

Maria chatted to programme founders Sue Nelson, chief executive of the Breakthrough Group; Ollie Lloyd, chief executive of Great British Chefs, and Hollie Shackleton, editor of Speciality Food Magazine.

"I’ve followed Food Talk Radio for a while; it’s a great resource for keeping up with the latest goings on in the food and drink industry," said Maria.

"So, when I was invited down to their studio, I jumped at the chance. It’s always great to have the chance to talk about Cumbria, food and obviously Hawkshead Relish. Hopefully I gave the show’s listeners the chance to hear a little of our story, the highs and lows along the way and our determination to build up the business over the last 20 years.

"I even managed to get the lovely hosts Sue Nelson, Ollie Lloyd and Hollie Shackleton to sample some of our Black Garlic range on air – they were certainly impressed as they hung on to the jars I took to the studio with me and even asked me to send them some more."

To listen to the podcast, visit foodtalk.co.uk