Louise Bolotin writes: Many argue that 50 miles is the tipping point for locality of supply. But is it really as simple as that? And is it possible to supply a Christmas dinner with a low, and local, carbon footprint? At Sussex and the City , a Brighton shop that is an intriguing mix of farmers market and deli, owner Duncan Innes is proud that everything he stocks comes from within a 50-mile radius.
Initially Duncan only sold locally produced vegetables, meats and wines, as well as larder staples and treats such as chutneys and chocolate. But, says Duncan: I started selling fair-trade teas and coffees blended and roasted by a renowned local supplier. Of course, they are imported but they tick most boxes and I need to supply my customers with what they want. It s a financial necessity I have to balance being local with a good range of stock.
Duncan s customers buy on price and quality, with local, organic or sustainable being added bonuses. I know all my suppliers well and they are passionate about what they do. My customers purchase from me because I sell quality goods. They will not buy local goods if the price is too high or the quality is poor. Could Duncan sell a completely local Christmas dinner? Yes. I can probably supply 90% of a dinner, including wines.
For customers who must have cranberry sauce, I d recommend they buy something locally produced rather than a jar of factory sauce. Cranberry sauce: the food mile nightmare According to a recent report from the University of Manchester, The Carbon Footprint of Christmas Dinner , cranberry sauce is responsible for half the carbon footprint related to transport. This is because more than 95% of the global cranberry crop is grown in North America.