A Partnership of Local Flavours

A Partnership of Local Flavours

A Partnership of Local Flavours


The Southern Co-operative has renewed its corporate partnership with county food group Hampshire Fare.

The Southern Co-operative has been working with Hampshire Fare since 2008 making The Southern Co-operative the food group’s longest serving Corporate Partner.

Kate Hibbert, Local Sourcing Manager for The Southern Co-operative, commented: “As a regional retailer and as a co-operative we value and support our local communities and our local producers.

“Currently we work with more than 75 local producers to offer the popular ‘Local Flavours’ range within 32 of our stores across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This range is a unique point of difference for our customers as well as an opportunity for local producers.

“Our involvement with Hampshire Fare enables us to access a range of suppliers, working with some producers who are already established and discovering others who are starting out. If they are interested in moving into retail they can work with us. We are able to develop opportunities with them and support them in terms of getting their product onto shelves, whether they want to go into two shops or 22 shops, helping to take people up to national level if that is where they want to go.”

Kate continued: “I am on the board of Hampshire Fare and I find this level of engagement invaluable as it allows me to see the Hampshire food community from a different angle. The work Hampshire Fare undertakes is important and at The Southern Co-operative we are very keen to continue to support this well-renowned and highly thought of county food group.”

Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager with Hampshire Fare, added: “We are delighted The Southern Co-operative is continuing to support Hampshire Fare. Our work is only possible thanks to support from our Corporate Partners and Friends. We also value the perspective that Kate offers our board as a multiple retailer. In addition, we believe there is a great deal of synergy between the two organisations as we both support local producers and the local economy.”