ALMOST 500,000 CUPS OF COFFEE SOLD BY WIGHTLINK IN 2021 HELPS BOLSTER ISLAND’S ECONOMY

Wightlink’s continuing policy of buying from Isle of Wight suppliers, whenever it can, is helping local producers weather the pandemic.

Regular orders of food and drink for the ferry company’s cafés are supporting a dozen Island businesses throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

During 2021, Wightlink bought more than:

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• 6 tonnes of Island Roasted coffee beans (this makes nearly 500,000 cups of coffee)
• 125,000 litres of milk from Briddlesford Farm Dairy
• 10,000 slices of cake from Calbourne Classics
• 140,000 Grace’s freshly made sandwiches, toasties and paninis

Keith Greenfield, Chief Exec of Wightlink, says:

“Supporting local suppliers is key to our strategy for the environment as it dramatically reduces food miles.

“Food and drink produced on the Isle of Wight is top quality and our customers love it. In fact, many people buy produce from companies like Island Ales, The Garlic Farm and Wight Salt from our ports and ships, to take home as souvenirs.”

Dan Burgess from The Isle of Wight Espresso Company says:

“We appreciate the on-going dialogue with Wightlink’s retail team so we can be ready to deliver the freshest Island Roasted coffee when it’s needed.

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“It’s great to see Wightlink supporting so many local businesses and valuing our products.”

Farmer Paul Griffin at Briddlesford Farm Dairy says:

“During lockdowns, our cows still needed to be cared for and milked twice a day, so our work in the dairy had to carry on.

“Wightlink is one of our biggest customers. We have a strong relationship and are proud to be supplying our milk for the passengers to enjoy. Buying locally is always the best option, both in terms of reliability and helping the Island’s economy.”