The issue of provenance has become a major issue in the past year. Almost every day food miles, organic food and local sourcing are highlighted in the media. There's a clear consumer perception shift, which will be a missed opportunity both in terms of sales, differentiation and boosting British farming if caterers do not embrace it.

 

Consumers across the UK are demanding locally sourced ingredients. Environmental, social and economic reasons drive this demand, but the end result is that more and more consumers are beginning to look at where their food comes from and raise questions about provenance.

 

Provenance provides a huge opportunity for outlets to whom food provenance is not a fad, but where local sourcing is an important aspect of the menu. Furthermore, for caterers who are not already focusing on British sourcing, it provides a fantastic opportunity to offer something different, something with added value. 

While you know who you source your products from - do you know where your suppliers source their ingredients?

 

We take our relationship with suppliers incredibly seriously – it is a cultural thing within the business and we view farmers as partners and as part of the McCain family. Which is why the issue of local sourcing has always been at the heart of our business – over 95% of our potatoes come from British farms and we are the UK's single largest customer of potatoes.

 

In fact, we have just made a commitment to source all of our chip products from 100% British potatoes.

 

British farmers deserve British commitment. We select only the best quality potatoes to ensure the highest yield and superior taste – and this is what should be demanded by all food suppliers and manufacturers.

 

British farmers should adopt best practice in environmental stewardship – and should gain assured produce status. This means leaving the edge of a field for wildlife to establish, to maintain hedgerows and plant trees.

 

McCain is a leading supporter of the Assured Produce Scheme, which promotes sustainable, environmentally responsible farming within the UK. Our farmers are independently and internally audited to ensure the highest quality crops and all producers under contract are required to adhere to strict government regulations related to the use of fertilizer and pesticides to ensure a quality crop.

 

Knowing where your food comes from provides the reassurance you deserve about the farming practices employed.

 

Just Ask and Red Tractor are just two examples of campaigns designed to raise consumer awareness of the issues of food provenance and support socially responsible buying choices.