DEMAND FOR ISLE OF WIGHT PRODUCE INCREASES AS LOCAL FLAVOURS RANGE CELEBRATES 15 YEARS

Shoppers at Southern Co-op stores – including here on the Isle of Wight – are reducing their carbon footprint by buying 40% more local products than 5 years ago.

The figures have been released by Southern Co-op as it celebrates a milestone anniversary for its local food and drink range – 15 years since Local Flavours was first launched on the Island. The range supports farmers and producers, bringing the best local food and drink from across southern England to its convenience stores.

It has been revealed that in 2021, there were more than 3.5 million products sold from the Local Flavours range, a 40% increase from just over 2.5 million in 2017. There are currently around 2,000 products to buy from more than 200 suppliers.

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With 8 convenience stores locally and a number of local producers, the Local Flavours team paid a visit to 2 Isle of Wight producers last week to recognise the hard work which has gone into making this possible – The Tomato Stall and Briddlesford Farm Dairy.

Samantha Blake, Sales Account Manager at The Tomato Stall, said:

“Southern Co-op is a champion of local produce and working closely with smaller business to support their growth and showcasing of products to a wider audience.

“The Tomato Stall is privileged to be a long-term partner and not only are we able to supply our produce through the branches, but have had first-hand experience of the positive impact Southern Co-op has in supporting the communities around its branches.”

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Southern Co-op’s partnership with Briddlesford Farm Dairy has provided local retail outlets for products from their pedigree Guernsey cows after it became unsustainable for it to be shipped off the Island.

Paul Griffin, the 4th generation of the Griffin family to run the farm, said:

“Working with Southern Co-op has meant a lot to us at Briddlesford Lodge Farm. Southern Co-op could see the quality and provenance of our products and were able to offer us access to a much wider customer base, through their many stores.

“This was a big step up for Briddlesford, and eventually enabled us to significantly expand this aspect of our business. It gave us confidence to work with larger customers and in turn, this has helped to preserve our family farm, and our iconic dairy herd on the Isle of Wight.

“Southern Co-op is unlike other supermarkets because it has maintained a ‘village’ type appeal, with a friendly approach to its local suppliers, and to its customers. The ‘Local Flavours’ aspect of their business has benefitted many smaller farmers and suppliers, but also enabled local people to support their local economy and the local businesses that allow their communities to thrive.”

Matt Elliott, Southern Co-op’s Retail Buying & Services Manager, who looks after the Local Flavours range, said:

“Southern Co-op’s enthusiasm for local food and drink comes from the amazing flavours, the dedicated people behind the products, and the benefits to the environment.

“As an independent, regional co-operative, we strive to be a sustainable and responsible business and our Local Flavours range is just one way in which we achieve this. Over the last 15 years, we have developed some incredible relationships with our Local Flavours producers and discovered hidden talent which has gone on to be stocked on shelves nationwide.”