Sense of Place Local Produce
Over the last few years, Cumbria has become well-known for the range and quality of its local produce. Within this one county can be found a plethora of meat and dairy products - fell-raised lamb, award-winning Cumberland Sausage, local venison, air-cured bacons and hams, organic milk, and a growing range of Cumbrian cheeses, farmhouse butter and numerous ice cream parlours. In addition, there are producers grinding flour, growing salad vegetables and herbs, harvesting shellfish, baking bread and cakes, making jams and chutneys, bottling spring water and brewing local ales. Local produce also includes local crafts - paintings, ceramics, jewellery, woodworking, ironware, textiles, cards, soaps, candles, etc. By supporting local producers, you are helping the local economy, reducing food/craft miles, improving traceability and maintaining freshness and quality. Details of where to find local producers can be found on the Made in Cumbria website - www.madeincumbria.co.uk.
What you can do
- Source local produce as much as possible and incorporate it into your menus.
- Describe where your Cumbrian produce has come from and who has produced it. State that the lamb is Herdwick or Rough Fell, or go a step further and specifically mention Mansergh Hall lamb or Sillfield pork. Cumbria has a good reputation for the quality of its food. By sourcing locally you are not only helping the local economy but reducing food miles at the same time.
- Celebrate our local producers. Provide a short description of your main Cumbrian suppliers, display their photographs on walls, menus, placemats, etc. Have a ‘producer of the month'.
- List farmers' markets, farm shops and farmgate outlets (see Made in Cumbria website). Provide a list of real-ale breweries or organic producers in your area.
- Create a special Cumbrian menu using locally sourced ingredients as much as possible. Develop a hearty breakfast based on local foods.
- Provide a packed lunch that is packed with local produce.
- Provide a welcome hamper of Cumbrian goodies (if you have a self-catering business). Give your visitors the opportunity to pre-order Cumbrian foodstuffs via your website.
- Check out local tearooms, restaurants, pubs, shops and facilities so that you can recommend where visitors can sample local produce.
- Direct your customers to local art galleries and craft shops that stock a high percentage of Cumbria-made goods.
- Supply locally made toiletries. There are at least three companies in Cumbria (based in Sedbergh, Keswick and Staveley - check) producing hand-made soaps, shampoos and skincare products.
For more information on local produce, try the following websites:
www.madeincumbria.co.uk
www.cumbriaorganics.co.uk
www.cumbriarealaleguide.org.uk
www.lythdamsons.org.uk
www.woolclip.com
www.cumbrianwool.com
www.golakes.co.uk
www.cumbriatourism.org
