Cider and sandwiches

Cider and sandwiches are snapped up in Somerset

Cider and filled sandwiches are the most popular produce from Somerset sold at regional co-operative stores across the south. The latest news is being shared by Southern Co-op ahead of British Food Fortnight which kicks off on Saturday and runs to 3 October. Now in its 20th year, the campaign encourages people to seek out British food and drink which will in turn have an impact on sustainability and the action on climate. In Southern Co-op's convenience stores, the three top selling product ranges from Somerset producers are from Somerset Catering South West who produce filled rolls and baguettes, Thatchers Cider in Sandford and Lilley's Cider in Frome. Matt Elliott, Retail Buying & Services Manager at Southern Co-op who looks after its Local Flavours range, said: "There were some highs and lows in 2020 for our local producers but overall sales of our Local Flavours range remain strong thanks to continued customer support.

"Through our dedicated Local Flavours range, we celebrate local food and drink from around 200 regional suppliers including many in Somerset. "Now is the perfect time to focus on the future so let's use this year's British Food Fortnight to continue supporting these local businesses and also try some of the incredible tastes available."

So far this year, more than 11,200 bottles of cider from Thatchers Cider have been sold in Southern Co-op's stores. Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cider maker at Thatchers, said: "Harvest is a fantastic time of year to be celebrating British produce. At Thatchers it's the season when all the hard work throughout the year caring for our orchards comes to fruition.

"Nothing beats the excitement of seeing the apples arrive at Myrtle Farm for pressing into our range of ciders. The bright red apples for our Thatchers Katy cider are always the first to arrive at the farm. We love working with Southern Co-op who recognise the importance of bringing the best quality local ciders to its stores."

With 200 Co-operative Food stores across the South of England, the independent co-operative's Local Flavours range is available at most of its convenience stores.

To find the nearest store, visit stores.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/search.html. Or to find out more the Local Flavours range, visit www. thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/food/local-flavours/.