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<h2>The Benefits of Sourcing Locally from Wholesale Fruit and Veg Suppliers</h2>Choosing to source locally from wholesale fruit and veg suppliers offers many benefits. It supports the local economy, ensures fresher produce, and promotes sustainability. Let's explore these advantages in more detail.<h3>Supporting the Local Economy</h3>When you buy from local suppliers, you help support nearby farmers and businesses. This keeps money within the community and helps create jobs. Local businesses can thrive, and this strengthens the local economy.Local suppliers often have strong relationships with their customers. They understand the needs of local caterers and hospitality providers. This means they can offer personalised service and respond quickly to any special requests. At Mr. Fruity, we buy everyday from our local suppliers. This ranges from salad items and vegetables, to fruit, salad lettuce and potatoes.<h3>Ensuring Fresher Produce</h3>Local sourcing means shorter travel times for produce. Fruits and vegetables are picked at peak ripeness and delivered quickly. This results in fresher, tastier produce for your customers.Fresher produce also means better nutrition. Fruits and vegetables start to lose nutrients as soon as they are harvested. By reducing the time between farm and table, you can provide healthier options to your clients.When we order some of our lettuces and greens early in the morning, they're still growing, on the farm or the greenhouse. Our order is then picked and packed and delivered or collected, later that day. It's out to our customers the next day.<h3>Promoting Sustainability</h3>Local sourcing reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. This helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and supports a healthier planet. Choosing local suppliers is a step towards more sustainable business practices.Additionally, local farms often use more sustainable farming methods. They may practice crop rotation, use fewer pesticides, and focus on soil health. Supporting these farms encourages environmentally friendly agriculture.<h3>Building Stronger Relationships</h3>Working with local suppliers allows you to build strong, lasting relationships. You can visit their farms, see their practices, and understand their values. This transparency builds trust and ensures you are getting high-quality produce.These relationships can lead to better service and more reliable supply chains. Local suppliers are more likely to go the extra mile to meet your needs. This can be crucial for catering and hospitality businesses with tight schedules.<figure id="figure-xtksrz715slzvc1ov8"><img id="xtksrz715slzvc1ov8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9NUQRNMuUT5fFj51ZSaeosqW4hfmMQZoBOMIJz7OBHK9ocK4gnJDpNwv13xSTtvZ.jpg" alt="Greenhouse shot of one of our local growers." title="Greenhouse shot of one of our local growers." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9NUQRNMuUT5fFj51ZSaeosqW4hfmMQZoBOMIJz7OBHK9ocK4gnJDpNwv13xSTtvZ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Cost-Effective Solutions</h3>By sourcing locally, you can also reduce waste. Fresher produce has a longer shelf life, which means less spoilage and lower costs. This efficiency can improve your bottom line.In conclusion, sourcing locally from wholesale fruit and veg suppliers offers many benefits. It supports the local economy, ensures fresher produce, promotes sustainability, builds strong relationships, and can be cost-effective. Consider making the switch to local suppliers and enjoy these advantages for your business. <h3>Location Versus Price &amp; Convenience</h3> With the onset of rising costs, which includes labour, energy, fuel, materials and eventually produce, the market has undergone many changes in the last four years. The average family can tell you how much their 'cost of living' has increased and of course, this also applies to the hospitality industry.&nbsp; In 2019, an average main meal in a medium grade restaurant would cost you around £12 - £15. In 2024, that same main meal is more likely to be £18 - £22. This has led to consumers, adjusting their eating habits, (going for cheaper meals or dining at cheaper establishments), or simply dining out less frequently.The knock on effect of this is that restaurants and hotels are seeing lighter footfall through the doors, which means their Chefs don't order as often as they used to. Portions, in general have become smaller, or sides and garnishes have been removed. Menus are created to offer additional items at a cost, whereas previously, they were served with the dish. The chef or restaurateur may wonder why items are increasing in price on the Invoice, but is happy to receive fresh goods from a supplier hundreds of miles away. The cost of that vehicle to run, that driver's wage for the hours on the road, it soon adds up. Yet there are numerous fresh produce suppliers around the establishment.&nbsp;There are many reasons why a chef, chooses a supplier. Loyalty, Price, Quality, Service, all of the above. But has sustainability, and carbon footprint ever come into it? Do they pick the local supplier, because they are exactly that 'Local'?We are a fantastic region, with wonderful farmers, growers and suppliers. A vast array of products, produced in the area have one awards across the UK. We should champion this and choose Local where possible, both in produce and suppliers. Where do you buy your meat, your fish, your bread and cheese? How far does your fresh produce travel? Do you order from outside the region because of Price or Convenience? Why not think about putting location first.

The Benefits of Sourcing Locally from Wholesale Fruit and Veg Suppliers

How Climate Change Affects Our Produce.Climate plays a significant role in determining the availability, quality, and variety of seasonal produce. Here's how different climate factors influence seasonal produce:Temperature - **Growing Seasons**: Warmer climates typically have longer growing seasons, allowing for multiple harvests per year. Cooler climates may have shorter growing seasons, limiting the types of crops that can be grown. - **Specific Crops**: Some crops thrive in specific temperature ranges. For instance, cool-season crops like lettuce and broccoli grow best in cooler temperatures, while warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers need higher temperatures to flourish.Precipitation - **Water Availability**: Adequate rainfall is crucial for crop growth. Regions with consistent rainfall can support a wide variety of crops, while arid regions may rely on irrigation. - **Drought and Flooding**: Extreme weather conditions such as droughts can stress plants and reduce yields, while excessive rainfall or flooding can damage crops and soil structure.Sunlight - **Photosynthesis**: Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce food. The amount of sunlight can influence the growth rate and productivity of crops. - **Day Length**: Some plants are sensitive to the length of day and night. For example, long-day plants like onions require long daylight hours to form bulbs, while short-day plants like sweet potatoes need shorter days.Soil Conditions - **Nutrient Availability**: The type of soil and its nutrient content can affect what crops can be grown. Different crops have varying nutrient needs, and soil health is crucial for optimal growth. - **Soil Temperature**: Soil temperature affects seed germination and root development. Warmer soils can promote faster germination, while cooler soils may delay growth.Climate Zones - **Tropical Climates**: Regions with tropical climates can grow a wide range of fruits and vegetables year-round due to consistently warm temperatures and ample rainfall. - **Temperate Climates**: These areas experience distinct seasons, which can limit the growing season for certain crops but also allow for the cultivation of a diverse range of produce through different times of the year. - **Arid and Semi-Arid Climates**: Water scarcity in these regions can limit agricultural activities, often requiring efficient irrigation systems and drought-resistant crop varieties.Seasonal Variations - **Spring**: Many leafy greens, peas, and root vegetables are harvested in spring as temperatures rise. - **Summer**: Warm-season crops like tomatoes, corn, and berries are abundant in summer. - **Fall**: Cooler temperatures support the growth of pumpkins, squash, and apples. - **Winter**: In milder climates, winter can still produce crops like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and root vegetables.Climate Change - **Shifting Growing Seasons**: As global temperatures rise, growing seasons may shift, affecting the traditional timing of planting and harvesting. - **Extreme Weather Events**: Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather can disrupt crop production, leading to fluctuations in availability and price.Understanding these factors helps farmers plan their planting and harvesting schedules, choose appropriate crop varieties, and implement practices to mitigate adverse climate effects. This knowledge also informs consumers about the best times to purchase fresh, local produce.

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The Benefits of Sourcing Locally from Wholesale Fruit and...

Climate Change On Produce