Shoppers are reducing their carbon footprint by buying 40 percent more local products, stated latest figures released by Southern Co-op.
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. In 2021, there were more than 3.5 million products sold from its Local Flavours range, a 40 percent increase from just over 2.5 million in 2017.
Southern Co-op started working with Kent Crisps at the end of 2014 and it has since become an internationally recognised British brand.
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.”
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.