Using Local Products & Services
...helping the local economy...
A good quality, value for money meal is a guaranteed way of making a lasting impression on your guests who, research has shown, are increasingly interested in local foods and crafts. From those who are purely here to experience the regional food and drink to those who simply crave the satisfaction of a decent meal, you can entice guests simply by providing fresh, local produce.
Not only does flavour and cost come into the equation but using locally produced goods can also have huge benefits for your local economy by supporting smaller businesses like you. Together you can offer a memorable culinary experience for your guest while supporting your local community.
TSE's Local Produce Guide can help you understand the options and opportunities that buying local produce can bring. Written for suppliers but with tourist businesses in mind, the guide offers an insight into the supply of products to businesses like you and includes some inspiring case studies to get you thinking.
But What Is Local Produce?
Local produce is defined as 'food and drink that is produced in the local area or speciality food that has a local identity.' This includes farm gate sales, regionally branded products, locally produced products and local speciality products that are in some way distinctive to the area. Crafts are also considered to be local products.
Local produce has a sense of local identity and close associations with the countryside and/or the seaside. It benefits the landscape through sustaining traditional activity such as farming or fishing, retains more money in the local economy and saves on transport costs and pollution associated with the movement of goods.
Local produce is perceived as distinctive, fresher, tastier and healthier by customers. There is a perception that local produce is traditional and part of more 'natural' farming practices rather than those of mass production. This links well with the rural visitor themes of rest, relaxation, good scenery and discovery.
What Is The Demand For Local Produce
Research indicates there is strong demand amongst visitors for local food and drink.
- 72% of visitors took an interest in local foods during their visit and are interested in trying them when they come across them.
- 67% of holiday makers say that they are prepared to pay more for quality food and drink.
- 26% of people express a strong interest in seeing local restaurant menus including information that identifies if the food has been locally produced.
- 35% of holiday makers had chosen local foods at least once when having a meal out.
Fresh and quality ingredients are important in selling local foods and are essential to meal quality and taste; two factors identified as creating a quality eating experience.
Local food needs to be good quality and quality of service, presentation and cooking are all important.
What Can You Do?
Every meal can have an element that is grown locally. Serve the occasional local recipe or local specialities such as apple juice, wine or jams produced locally. Dishes and puddings with local ingredients may also be popular.
If you offer self-catering accommodation, provide information on where guests can buy local ingredients such as local butchers, bakers, farm shops and village shops. Stimulate their interest by providing local recipes and specialities for them to try out in your welcome pack.
The choice of local recipes can add considerably to menus and can help differentiate your business from others. Therefore tell people about the fact that you use locally sourced food.
Where Can I Get More Information?
- Rural Ways has a range of information and listings on local producers and farmers markets in the South East
- South East Food Groups Partnership support the use of local produce across the region, giving advice and guidance to organisations and businesses involved.
Alternatively contact Roger Budden (023 8062 5453)