The Source

Suddenly the conversation is all about local!  This is a consequence of the pandemic accelerating an appreciation of local.  This is partly in recognition of local producers and independent retailers going above and beyond to keep communities fed and cupboards stocked.  It is also in part a move towards more considered and considerate consumerism.

County food and drink group Hampshire Fare is an integral part of this movement.  In lockdown Hampshire Fare stepped up its work, supporting members and keeping consumers informed by producing and distributing listings of members’ click and collect and home delivery services.  This was followed, as restrictions eased, by the launch of an award-winning #StayLoyalStayLocal campaign.

30 Years & Counting

However, Hampshire Fare has been promoting local for 30 years.  It started in 1991 when a small group of farmers came together to form Hampshire Fare, one of the UK’s first county food groups.  The purpose was to promote the extraordinary abundance that Hampshire’s diverse landscape of coast and chalk stream rivers, downland, farmland, heath and forest produces.

Three decades on and Hampshire Fare has grown into a dynamic and highly respected community interest community with about 400 members.  These include not only producers, but independent retailers and hospitality venues, spread across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and over county boundaries into neighbouring West Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, Wiltshire and Dorset.

The remit has developed, too. Hampshire Fare has helped establish new routes to market by fostering connections between producers, retailers and chefs, and created opportunities to raise the profile of Hampshire produce with consumers, both locally and nationally.  This has included the hugely ambitious, month-long Hampshire Food Festival, the annual Local Produce Guide, the Great Hampshire Sausage & Pie Competition, the Hampshire Charcuterie initiative, plus taking Hampshire produce to the Houses of Parliament and London’s Borough Market.

British Food Fortnight

Hampshire Fare has also gone into colleges and schools to raise the profile of local among students and pupils.  This included Hampshire Fare taking local producers into primary schools as part of British Food Fortnight to run inspiring sessions and encourage children to consider the provenance of their food.  As a result, Hampshire Fare won the opportunity to launch British Food Fortnight in 2019, choosing Wicor School as the location for the launch, as it was an opportunity to highlight just what a local primary school can achieve.

Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, says, “It is hugely satisfying working with students and pupils.  I love the way they become really engaged and interested in what our producers are sharing with them and the stories behind local food.  It is like planting a small seed that will gradually grow and could potentially have a really positive impact on their lifestyle choices, and benefit local communities and the environment.”

30th Anniversary Celebrations

Hampshire Fare has taken advantage of its 30^th Anniversary to create a variety of imaginative ways to share its celebrations.  These have included a bespoke, artist-drawn Crest featuring Hampshire’s wealth of produce from the traditional, such as hops, strawberries, trout and watercress, to more recent additions, among them buffalo mozzarella, Black Mitcham peppermint, rapeseed and vines.  People may spot the Crest with the slogan ‘Proud to be a Hampshire Fare member’ in the windows of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

In addition, the same artist is responsible for a specially commissioned area map featuring members’ produce.  Following requests, this is now available as an art edition print through Last Maps.

Hampshire Fare has also recently launched the Hampshire Fare Collection of hampers, filled with members’ produce and available through Hampshire Fare member, New Forest Hamper Company.  These are a great way to celebrate 30 years of Hampshire Fare while supporting local businesses and enjoying a taste of Hampshire as a gift or a treat.

Finally, following funding for a liveried van, Hampshire Fare continues with its ‘Roadshow’, taking to the road visiting members throughout the region and spreading the word about local.

To find out more about Hampshire Fare’s work promoting local visit www.hampshirefare.co.uk

Photograph above: The Electric Eye Photography