Message for all Growers and Food Producers in Kent and the South East Region – Sussex – Surrey - Hampshire

The Local Food Alliance Hub is now open for business as you can see from this article published in the Fruit Produce Journal.

Local Food Alliance up and running 

The Local Food Alliance (LFA) has put regional sourcing at the heart of its operation in the South East, which kicked off in Kent last week.

The Maidstone-based distribution hub will supply locally grown fruit and vegetables as well as speciality food products from Kent and its bordering counties and, according to business development manager Rob Weaver, fresh produce will drive the business. "The idea is to keep it local, with produce from Kent and bordering counties" he says. "We are trying to cut down on food miles so that the product is as fresh as possible."

The LFA subscribes to a robust motto - MILES BETTER, MILES FRESHER - and aims to source the best produce in Kent. "The miles better, miles fresher aspect is important," says Weaver "People want local fruit and vegetables, whether it's from a supermarket, from a box scheme or from a local store, and we can make this happen."

The firm will supply both conventional and organic produce to customers within a 60 mile radius. The site features a 20,000sqm warehouse, full packing lines for strawberries and apples, grading equipment for top fruit and flow- wrapping machines, as well as facilities and vehicles for distribution. Target markets will include Kent-based retailers and restaurants, both in rural and urban areas, as well as London markets and supermarkets. "We would like to talk to growers, retailers, or anyone interested in local products," says Weaver. "Everybody - both large and small producers are welcome and we would like to meet as many local growers as possible. If they support us, we will find the best outlet for them - we can act as a voice for local growers, because we are passionate about local food."

Demand for locally sourced food is on the up and, with UK retailers stepping up their regional focus, the market for products from Kent - as the Garden of England - is booming, according to Weaver. He managed Produced in Kent for 10 years and is well known to producers in the region. The business has the potential to expand quickly, Weaver tells FPJ, but support from growers will help to take the initiative forward. "The intention is to extend the LFA across the South East, with different food hubs, but we can only do this with support from growers and of course, retailers and consumers," he adds. 

We are currently receiving many enquiries regarding the supply of HIGH QUALITY produce and products.

If you are a grower or producer with large or small quantities of fresh or manufactured produce and products we would be delighted to hear from you.

In some cases your high quality produce may be out of supermarket specifications – we have outlets that are interested in acquiring this type of produce.

Please contact Rob Weaver on 01622-845954 or his mobile 07712136249 or email kent@localfoodalliance.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you.  We firmly believe in supporting Local Produce in Season which are MILES BETTER and MILES FRESHER.