Dairy, tomatoes and eggs are the most popular produce on the Isle of Wight sold at regional co-operative stores across the south.
The latest news is being shared by Southern Co-op ahead of British Food Fortnight which kicks off on Saturday and runs to 3rd October.
Now in its 20th year, the campaign encourages people to seek out British food and drink which will, in turn, have an impact on sustainability and the action on climate.
In Southern Co-op’s convenience stores, the 3 top-selling product ranges from Isle of Wight producers are from Briddlesford Lodge Farm, the Tomato Stall and Brownrigg Poultry.
Matt Elliott, Retail Buying & Services Manager at Southern Co-op who looks after its Local Flavours range, said:
“There were some highs and lows in 2020 for our local producers but overall sales of our Local Flavours range remain strong thanks to continued customer support.
“Through our dedicated Local Flavours range, we celebrate local food and drink from around 200 regional suppliers including many on the Isle of Wight.
“Now is the perfect time to focus on the future so let’s use this year’s British Food Fortnight to continue supporting these local businesses and also try some of the incredible tastes available.”
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So far this year, more than 230,000 individual products from Briddlesford Lodge Farm have been sold in Southern Co-op’s stores including milk, cheese and other dairy products.
Briddlesford Lodge Farm has an award winning Guernsey herd as well as an on site dairy processing building. It produces milk, cream, butter and cheese from their own cows, under the ‘Briddlesford’ brand, and fresh milk, cream and butter from other farms under the ‘Isle of Wight’ brand.
Paul Griffin, the fourth generation of the Griffin family to run the farm, explains there is a whole range of benefits when you buy and support local including reduced food miles and lower carbon footprint, enjoying the local countryside and preserving its natural beauty, freshness and provenance, safeguarding local jobs and supporting the rural economy.
Paul said:
“Quality is of the utmost importance whether local or otherwise. Our dairy products, from Briddlesford, are all made right here on the farm, using the rich and creamy, golden milk from our beloved pedigree Guernsey cows. The flavour is unbeatable!
“Southern Co-op is a great partner in the promotion of local food, when it is not always easy for small, local producers to do this.”
With 200 Co-operative Food stores across the South of England, the independent co-operative’s Local Flavours range is available at most of its convenience stores.
To find the nearest store, visit stores.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/search.html. Or to find out more the Local Flavours range, visit www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/food/local-flavours/.
Isle of wight Planning committee take heed!
Make the most of it, as sadly there is a quick buck for certain people in bulding over anything green and gratefully received ‘thank you’ cards are very welcome in other quarters when permission is granted.
A acre of agricultural land giving building permission profits, adds up to years of selling milk or eggs.
So guess which are delightful ‘leaders’ will go for.