When people think about local suppliers, they often think about freshness, quality or supporting local businesses. All those things matter, but for me, there’s something even more important at the heart of it.
It's about relationships.
As a co-operative, we've always believed that success is something best shared. We exist to serve the communities around us, and one of the ways we do that is by working closely with local farmers, growers and producers. Their success contributes to our success, and in turn, helps local communities thrive.
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit Honey Tye Farm in Leavenheath, one of our valued local suppliers, who specialise in apples, asparagus and soft fruits.
Spending time on the farm was a powerful reminder of the work, care and investment that goes into producing the food we see on our shelves every day. Watching strawberries being picked, raspberries packed and apples and asparagus prepared for distribution reinforced just how much work goes into delivering quality for our members and customers.
What impressed me just as much, is Honey Tye's commitment to the future. From trialling new crop varieties to expanding accommodation for its workforce and investing in its anaerobic digestion plant, it's continually looking for ways to innovate and improve.
That long term mindset is something I admire because it's one we share as a co-operative.
Honey Tye is one example of a much wider network. Across our food business, we work with more than 40 local suppliers spanning fresh produce, ambient goods, beers, wines and spirits. Together, they provide products that are distinctive, high quality and firmly rooted in the region we serve.
The results speak for themselves too.
We’re currently in the middle of our 12-week Summer Specials campaign and Honey Tye strawberries are our top-performing product, selling at more than double the rate of the next best-performing line. Their raspberries are also among the campaign's strongest performers.
Our members and customers clearly value fresh, local produce, and when the quality is there, they respond.
But the value of local suppliers extends far beyond the products on our shelves.
Last year, when a cyber incident disrupted the national co-op distribution network, strong local supplier relationships became more important than ever. While many regional co-operatives across the sector experienced significant availability challenges, the agility and responsiveness of our local supplier network helped us maintain stock and continue serving our communities.
When unexpected challenges arise, local suppliers step up. They understand our communities, they understand our business and they're willing to work alongside us to find solutions. That creates a level of resilience that can't always be measured on a balance sheet.
The impact also reaches far beyond our stores.
Every time we choose to work with a local supplier, we’re supporting jobs, investment and economic activity within the communities we serve. Local suppliers employ local people, support local families and help strengthen the communities we all depend on.
There are environmental benefits too.
Produce grown closer to where it’s sold often travels fewer miles and can often be picked, packed and delivered to our stores in a matter of hours. That means fresher products for customers and shorter journeys from field to shelf.
We’re fortunate to operate in a region with such a rich agricultural heritage and so many talented local producers. Not every retailer has that opportunity, but it’s one we should continue to embrace.
That doesn't mean we've always got everything right. Supporting local suppliers at scale isn’t without its challenges, and there’s always more we can learn. What matters is maintaining genuine partnerships that work for everyone involved.
For us, that means giving local producers the opportunity to get their products onto our shelves, showcasing their brands and paying a fair price for what they produce. In return, they help us offer our members and customers something distinctive: fantastic local products with a story behind them.
At East of England Co-op, two of our values are Stronger Together and Do the Right Thing.
For me, supporting local suppliers brings both of those values to life.
When local farmers, producers and retailers work together, everyone benefits. Customers enjoy fresher, high-quality products. Local businesses have the confidence to invest and grow. Communities become more resilient. And our regional economy becomes stronger.
That's what co-operation has always been about.
Local roots. Shared success.
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