Cooked meats, cheese and snacking products are the most popular produce from Dorset sold at regional co-operative stores across the south, according to Southern Co-op. In its convenience stores, the three top-selling product ranges from Dorset producers are Wessex Country Gammon based in Three Legged Cross, Leopard Dairy Products near Blandford, and Olives Et Al in Sturminster Newton.
British Food Fortnight starts on Saturday, September 18, and runs until October 3.
Now in its 20th year, the campaign encourages people to seek out British food and drink which, in turn, will have an impact on sustainability and climate change.
Matt Elliott, retail buying and services manager at Southern Co-op looks after its Local Flavours range. He said: “There were some highs and lows in 2020 for local producers but overall sales of our Local Flavours range remains strong, thanks to continued customer support.
“Through the range, we celebrate local food and drink from about 200 regional suppliers, including many in Dorset. British Food Fortnight supports local businesses and is also a chance to try some of the incredible tastes.”
So far this year, more than 95,000 individual products supplied by Wessex Country Gammon have been sold in Southern Co-op’s stores, including bacon and black pudding.
Richard Isaacs established the business in 1987 and feels that buying local is essential for building a community and growing smaller businesses.
With 200 Co-operative Food stores in the South of England, the independent co-operative says its Local Flavours range is available at most of its convenience stores.
To find the nearest store, visit stores.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/search.html. Or to find out more the Local Flavours range, visit www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/food/local-flavours/.