A free new guide has been published to raise the profile of local food and craft producers, and to support the region’s economy.
‘Producers of food, drink and craft from Hampshire’ has been compiled with Ł1,500 sponsorship from Hampshire County Council. It’s published by the county food group Hampshire Fare, which is dedicated to local food and craft producers, and runs a number of projects aimed at helping them grow and develop their businesses.
The new directory lists where to buy a huge range of Hampshire grown, reared and produced food - from meat and game to bread, beer and ice cream. The booklet also contains a guide to pubs, restaurants and hotels that serve local food, quality craft makers, farm shops and delicatessens and cookery classes.
"We have fantastic produce in Hampshire that is widely available direct from the producers, through farm shops, delicatessens, box schemes and home delivery as well as at farmers' markets throughout the county, thereby cutting dramatically the food miles covered before it reaches our plates,” said Hampshire County Councillor Michael Woodhall.
"Yet, despite all this choice people still limit their shopping to supermarkets and high streets missing out on what is on offer on their own doorstep. This is why it is so important to produce guides like the ‘Producers of food, drink and craft from Hampshire’ handbook, which clearly shows the range of food, drink and craft available in the county and how to buy it."
The guide also includes dates of Hampshire Farmers' markets and details of special events across Hampshire where people can try and buy local food and drink.
For a free copy of the ‘Producers of food, drink and craft from Hampshire' guide call 01962 845999 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Hampshire Fare's website includes regularly updated information about events, the latest local food news and new producer members.
The next Hampshire Farmers’ Markets in central Southampton take place on Saturday 17 June and 19 August 2006. If you would like further information contact the farmers’ market office on 01420 588671, or click here.
Don’t forget many of Bitterne Park's independent shops, on our doorstep at the Triangle, also source local produce.
