FROM My Farm – the regional fresh produce arm of Yaxley-based Produce World Group – has highlighted the benefits of buying local and has expanded its operation into the West Country.
It has introduced its brand new South West range into 21 stores in the area.
The new range was officially launched at the Royal Bath and West show and the team was awarded the Silver Prize in the Food Exhibitor class, which included more than 70 exhibitors. Plans are now in place to launch the Yorkshire range by October.
When you buy From My Farm, either in your local shop or supermarket, you are "safe in the knowledge that not only were all the fruit and vegetables British, but that they had come from growers in your area".
Products are only selected when they are in season and only from local growers, helping to cut down food miles and keep produce fresh.
The brand, based in Yaxley, near Peterborough, launched its East of England range into 19 Morrisons stores across the region before Christmas 2008 and, thanks to its success, is expanding into other areas.
Founder of From My farm Charlie Falkingham said: "We have worked hard to build a truly regional range with provenance and by finding the best growers who can produce excellent looking and tasting fruit and vegetables; we can really deliver produce that does not disappoint.
"I am pleased to say that despite the tough economic climate, customers are happy to pay a few pence more for these benefits. We regularly receive e-mails from telling us that our strawberries taste wonderful and our lettuces are beautiful.
"By sticking to our strong brand values, we are confident that our customer base will continue to grow."
Logistically, From My Farm produce is collated at regional farm hubs and From My Farm currently manages the East hub in-house at Yaxley.
The expansion involves a new partnership with a Wiltshire-based firm, Bromham Growers, which will manage the regional hub for the South West.
Managing director of Bromham Growers Ray Cargill said of the expansion that "this opportunity provides our business with a great way to help promote the produce of growers in the South West. We are very excited to be contributing to the growth of From My Farm."
For more information and full availability, visit www.from myfarm.co.uk
Peterborough Today - 24th June 2009