Hampshire shoppers are buying more local products

Hampshire shoppers are buying 40 per cent more local products from a regional co-operative than five years ago, stated the figures released by Southern Co-op as it celebrates a 15-year milestone anniversary for its local food and drink range Local Flavours.

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

Southern Co-op’s Local Flavours range was first introduced in 2007 on the Isle of Wight. It 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.

Every county where Southern Co-op trades has a bespoke Local Flavours range which may include cheeses, yogurts, cream, ice cream, cakes and baked goods, sandwiches, meat, fish or beer.

Matt Elliott, Southern Co-op’s retail buying and 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.”

Will Dobson, owner of Hill Farm Juice, said, “Southern Co-op started working with Hill Farm Juice in the early days when the Local Flavours range was launched. We’ve worked very closely together ever since.

“The partnership with Southern Co-op, for us as a small business, it gives us a chance to get our brand out to customers on a local basis who wouldn’t necessarily get to see us otherwise.”