Somerfield backs local production
Local Life policy expands regional ranges
November 11 2002
Supermarket operator Somerfield is increasing its support for local food production with the launch of its Local Life policy.
Somerfield is making a commitment to increasing the range and availability of local and regional foods in its 600 stores. Reacting to research which shows increasing public support for local produce, the company said it will seek out local and regional suppliers and to offer its customers the chance to put their money where their hearts are – in the place where they live.
Somerfield spokesman Pete Williams said: “Our Local Life label will indicate that food comes from a local grower or producer, and our regional lines will be designed to reflect the taste and traditions of the British regions, with food that is fresh, flavoursome, and produced to environmental and animal welfare standards.
“We are committed to the local economy and to the communities in which we have our stores. We want to give our customers the choice to buy local food and to link through us to their neighbourhood. We believe that this is something that our customers want. We also believe that it is the right way for a supermarket to respond to the legitimate concerns of environmentalists and animal welfare groups, and to move towards a more sustainable food economy.”
TV chef and regional food supporter Sophie Grigson joined Somerfield to launch Local Life at the West Country Food and Drink Show in Bath. Grigson said: “An enthusiastic cook often spends as much time finding their source of fresh, high quality produce as perfecting his or her recipes. Thanks to the current interest in cooking, and numerous food scares, people are becoming more aware of the place of food in the community as a whole, and in particular of the need to localise the food economy, so that people can familiarise themselves with the taste of the place where they live. For many reasons: ecological, social and political, people are waking up to the fact that local food is not just a luxury, but also a necessity.
“We need to support our farmers and producers to explore the many ways that local produce can be turned into delicious and healthy meals for family and friends. In this way good cooking contributes not just to happy home-life, but also to a healthy community and local economy.”
Somerfield currently sells over 2,000 local lines nationwide, and a number of successful ranges of fresh regional produce like Cotswold lamb, West Country fish, Celtic Pride amb in Wales and the recently launched West Country beef in the South West.
