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Tomato Stall And Briddlesford Farm Recognised As Demand For Local Produce Increases

Shoppers are reducing their carbon footprint by buying 40 per cent more local products from a regional co-operative than five 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 Isle of Wight.

With eight convenience stores on the Island and a number of local producers, the Local Flavours team paid a visit to two producers last week to recognise the hard work which went 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."

Southern Co-op's Local Flavours range was first introduced in 2007 on the Isle of Wight and supports farmers and producers, bringing the best local food and drink from across southern England to its convenience stores.

It currently includes around 2,000 products from more than 200 suppliers.

In 2021, there were more than 3.5 million products sold from its Local Flavours range, a 40% increase from just over 2.5 million in 2017.

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 fourth 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.

"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."

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