DEMAND for locally produced products is helping reduce shoppers’ carbon footprints according to a supermarket chain.
The Southern Co-op says its customers are increasingly opting for regional produce, citing a 40% increase on five years ago.
The figures have been released as it marks the 15th anniversary of its Local Flavours initiative. Introduced on the Isle of Wight, it aims to bring the best food and drink from the south to its convenience stores.
There are 2,000 products in its range from 200 suppliers.
Among the companies it works with is the West Berkshire Brewery.
Davina Clifton, sales director at the Yattendon-based real ale firm, said: “It was reassuring to know that Southern Co-op were stockists and for our loyal customers still looking to buy our beers, including Good Old Boy Best Bitter, could still buy locally.
“As a regional brewer the pandemic was difficult to navigate through and having supportive businesses such as Southern Co-op to help us through was vital.”
She added: “We are now looking forward to the next 15 years working with them.”
In 2021, there were more than 3.5 million products sold from its Local Flavours range, up from 2.5 million in 2017.
Matt Elliott, Southern Co-op’s retail buying and services manager, said: “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.”
For more details, log on to: www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/food/local-flavours/
