Visy’s Post

As you hopefully know by now, we are huge promoters of seasonal produce that comes from the UK. It really is the DNA behind our business. Eating the seasons not only enhances flavour and nutrition but also supports local farmers and reduces environmental impact.   Over the weekend I was buying a few things in our local Sainsbury's and noticed that they are still selling Mexican asparagus. Why? It's so frustrating! It's English asparagus season right now!   While some consumers may desire year-round availability, it's essential for supermarkets to prioritise supporting UK farmers by sourcing locally whenever possible. By choosing seasonal UK produce, we can all play a vital role in sustaining local economies and reducing carbon emissions associated with food transportation.    Come on Sainsbury's wakey wakey! #seasonalproduce #buybritish

GREEN IS NOW MAINSTREAM IN AUSTRALIA... ...and Food Frontier’s newly released State of the Industry 2023 report confirms this with #plantbasedmeat sales up: 🚀 41% in retail since FY19 ($148.9m FY23); and a whopping 🚀 253% in foodservice since FY19 ($123.6m FY23) Plant-based foods are undoubtedly a 'growth engine' for retailers and #foodservice operators alike, and regardless of any momentary market setbacks, this report also proves that the proliferation of #plantbasedfoods across our grocery aisles and restaurant menus are still very much in their infancy as consumers branch out beyond the burger. 💚 With heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Food Frontier, plus all those in the Australian #plantbasedfood arena working to reduce our #environmentalimpact on the planet, end industrial #animalagriculture and responsibly feed our growing population. I KNOW - hand on heart - that Australia can become the most innovative, competitive and valued market in the world, and I'm excited to continue working with you all to help fuel that 'growth engine' 🔥🔥🔥 🔗 Food Frontier’s State of the Industry 2023 report: https://lnkd.in/gyQkrjQN

Frozen food retailer Iceland Foods has teamed up with investment company SKEL fjárfestingafélag to distribute the supermarket’s products in several Nordic countries. Tarsem Dhaliwal, group chief executive of Iceland Foods, stated, “Bringing Iceland Foods’ products to the Nordic market was a natural step in our growth.” #frozenfood #retail #investment #grocery #Nordics https://lnkd.in/e-4Nhw4d

🧆 UK #foodservice wholesaler Brakes UK expanded its range with almost 40 new #vegan products this month, aiming to support customers in making the most of Veganuary. The new products include three launching into the company’s Sysco Simply Plant Based Range

Why are grocery bills so high? A new study looks at the science behind food price reporting The-14 The Conversation Canada #Canada #Food #FoodPrices #Groceries #Transparency #FoodCosts #HighFoodPrices #FoodSecurity #GroceryBills #FoodInflation #PriceReporting #EconomicImpact #CostOfLiving 

👏Amazing news!👏 11 Dutch supermarkets have committed to selling at least 50% plant-based protein by 2025 and 60% by 2030 - up from the current 40%. Animal meat sales at Dutch supermarkets have already fallen by 16.4% since 2020 - achieving the 2030 goals would mean a decline by about a third from current levels. The supermarkets together represent 90% of the Dutch retail market, so this has near comprehensive buy-in - including SPAR, Picnic, Albert Heijn, Aldi, Crisp, Dirk, Ekoplaza, Jumbo, Lidl, Plus, and Odin. Additionally "in September of last year, Wakker Dier announced it was partnering with ten corporate caterers that had committed to the goal of selling 60% plant-based proteins by 2030. Just three months later, six more caterers joined the pledge." Supermarkets in other countries urgently need to follow their lead! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eqJxz_pG #food #meat #plantbased #lessandbettermeat #climatechange #climatecrisis #biglivestock #defundbiglivestock

As County Councillor for the Castle Ward, it was lovely to visit my friends and colleagues at Haverfordwest Farmers Market and see the amazing local produce available within Castle Square, Haverfordwest. #localartcommunityl #thomasbadentudor #communityconectors #pembrokeshirelife #haverfordwest #shoplocal #pembrokeshirecounty Bridge Street Haverfordwest Town Centre Cuckoo Mill Farm Cig Lodor Meat / Siop Carla ℹ️: Where is Haverfordwest Farmers' Market? Haverfordwest Farmers Market takes place on Castle Square, Haverfordwest, the bustling county town of Pembrokeshire, every Friday from 9am to 2pm. Haverfordwest Farmers Market has local farmers, growers and food and craft businesses selling their own produce/products directly to the consumer. Producers offer a wide variety of quality food, alongside good customer service in an open and welcoming shopping environment. A wide range of stalls is maintained, with a mix of conventional and organic primary and secondary producers. “Customers enjoy a memorable shopping experience in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere, have confidence in the producers, their products and of receiving the choice of consistently high quality produce at every market” said Joanne Welch, Market Manager “Buying local makes sense, not just economically and ethically as you are always guaranteed the highest quality, freshest produce, which is great value for money – and tastes fantastic too”. Q & A What is the purpose of a farmers market? A farmers market is a place where you are guaranteed to find fresh local food and by supporting your local producers and farmers you are helping to ensure their future, support the local economy and also reduce food-miles. Why buy at a farmers market? All food at a farmers market is fresh and sold by the producer who has grown, reared, picked or produced the product, so you can ask questions about the produce you are buying Is food cheaper at a farmers market? It may not necessarily be cheaper, but you are definitely guaranteed good, fresh quality products which are worth the cost What about food hygiene standards at a farmers market? All stallholders are registered with their local Council and markets are regularly inspected as they have to comply with the same high standard of hygiene as any other food retailer.

Follow the SEPC #WhatsNewWednesday for industry insights to align your business with relevant produce trends. Happy selling!

Harlech Foodservice Ltd secures £1 million, five-year contract with Shire Services 🤝🥤 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eRer7jn5 Harlech Foodservice has secured a £1 million, five-year contract with Shire Services, the catering division of Shropshire Council. This partnership will provide drinks and vending products to primary and secondary schools, focusing on local sourcing and high nutritional standards. David Roberts, Regional Account Manager at Harlech, shared: “As a firm with a strong local connection to Shropshire it’s very important to us that the quality and nutritional value of the food and drink in schools is as high as possible and that only the best is used.” The partnership also prioritises reducing food miles by working with local suppliers like Wenlock Spring, ensuring the community benefits from the contract. Roberts added, “We aim to use suppliers local to the client wherever possible as that cuts food miles and ensures that the benefits of the contract are shared with the local community.” This deal reinforces Harlech Foodservice’s dedication to education, sustainability, and supporting local communities. #LocalSourcing #Sustainability #FoodService #EducationSector #HarlechFoodservice #ShireServices