Buy local, try local produce

Riverford Organic Food Boxes

A scheme that began in 2004 it was founded by Guy Watson, who originally delivered vegetable boxes to some 30 friends in Devon. Fast forward 7 years and Riverford’s now deliver throughout the country to some 47,000 homes a week. This demand is met by their regional sister farms who work in partnership with his South Devon farm.

Inspired by the farming lifestyle of a bygone age, Riverford strips its produce back to basics. Glance at their fields and it’s scattered with people working on them, handle some vegetables and there’s no need to wash your hands, for the crops haven’t been sprayed. Quality and freshness are also guaranteed, as it only takes around two days to pick and then deliver the Riverford produce.

For those contemplating an order, there’s plenty of variety to appeal to all; with over 100 different types of vegetables, fruit and herbs, from the humble potato to oriental salads and tasty strawberries, all tastes can be catered for.

A cost effective way to plan your holiday cuisine, there is an array of different types of organic boxes that can be ordered; fruit only boxes, veg boxes or a combination of the two, you can order for as few as two people or have a box of produce catering for a large party of four plus and this is based on a weeks’ worth of provisions.

To find out more, visit www.riverford.co.uk

A Taste of the West:

Established in 1991, Taste of the West is the West Country’s regional food and drink trade organisation and as a membership organisation it works to develop the regions exceptional food and drink industry.

Championing local businesses, we are proud to support Taste of the West and its members, ensuring those visiting the South West get to taste and enjoy the finest produce our region has to offer. Here is just a small example of where you can find top quality West Country food...

Washingpool Farm Shop, Bridport, Dorset

Set within an area that’s a haven for wildlife, the farm is essentially a market garden, growing vegetables, soft fruits and salad crops especially for the shop. The Washingpool Farm ethos is to sell food that is “fresh, tasty and traceable” with its home-grown produce including squashes, pumpkins, salads and greens. Meats and breads are also available and are sourced from local producers and bakeries.
Washingpool Farm Shop

Lobbs Farm Shop, St Austell, Cornwall

Winners of Taste of the West’s ‘Online Retailer of the Year Award’, Lobbs Farm Shop offers a wide range of products, including dairy products, meats, fruit and vegetables, soft drinks and locally brewed beers, to name but a few. With fully traceable meats, including some of their own farm reared meats; the majority of their vegetables are grown on the farm, cut and delivered daily to the shop.
Lobbs Farm Shop

Countryman’s Choice Farm Shop and Restaurant, South Hamms, Devon

Located in the beautiful town of Ivybridge, Countryman’s Choice offers the very best in locally sourced, South West produce. The shop sells fruit, vegetables, local ciders and ales, as well as a delicatessen and ice cream from the famous Langage Farm. Award winning local producers Gerald David & Family provide the freshly baked breads and meat. The Countryman’s Choice restaurant offers lunches, cakes and of course Devon cream teas.
Countryman’s Choice Farm Shop

Farmers Markets:

With so many local delicacies on offer, there’s a wealth of farmers markets to explore whilst on holiday in the West Country. A great way to experience the local food on offer, including fresh fruit and vegetables, locally reared meat and home-made conserves and cakes.

Crediton Farmers Market Devon; first Saturday of the month

“A true taste of Devon on the first Saturday of every month” the Crediton Farmers Market celebrates its local suppliers, produce and enterprise and does so with the aim of increasing farm incomes in order to better reflect the value of Devon’s produce. Most market holders live within 10 miles of Crediton, so you’re really putting money back into the local community. With a range of fresh organic and traditional produce available, you can also have a browse of local, hand-made crafts, from ceramics to soap.
Crediton Farmers Market

Axbridge Farmers Market Somerset; first Saturday of the month

This popular market is situated within the medieval Town Square and offers a selection of around 20 stalls, including the very local Axbridge based Moorland Farm and (when in season) Beasley’s Strawberries from nearby Cheddar. This year Axbridge was awarded the status of Fair Trade town, enjoying a vibrant food culture.
Axbridge Farmers Market

Weymouth Farmers Market; second Sunday of the month

Featuring the best of the little known food producers in Dorset, the Weymouth Farmers Market promotes the highest quality produce without the food miles. Freshness and choice is at the forefront of this market’s trade, which is situated on Weymouth’s old bridge across the harbour. Choose from an array of breads, cheeses, cider, wines, pies, chutneys and other goodies.
Weymouth Farmers Market

Penzance Farmers Market; every Friday

An ancient fishing port, Penzance has been a market town for centuries, yet its weekly market was only reinstated in 2009. Situated in the courtyard of St John’s Hall it features up to 15 stalls and offers a wide variety of home-made produce as well as raw ingredients, including fresh seasonal flowers and herbs. In October, a special Apple Day is held in celebration of Harvest and most especially, Cornish Apples.
Penzance Farmers Market

Food Festivals and Events:

Cornwall Food and Drinks Festival, September in Truro

Here you can witness the talents of Cornwall’s finest chefs, as they whip up the county’s best ingredients with inspirational demonstrations of their culinary delights, giving you the opportunity to buy from Cornish suppliers to recreate the dishes at home.
Cornwall Food and Drinks Festival

Newlyn Fish Festival, August

A celebration of all things fishy, from one of Cornwall’s most distinctive fishing communities; eat it, buy it or take it away! Kick back and enjoy the days catch at the seaside barbeque, or try some tasty paella whilst listening to the invigorating sounds of some local acoustic folk tunes.
Newlyn Fish Festival

Clovelly Herring Festival, November

An event to celebrate Clovelly’s rich history and the hundreds of boats that would fish for its ‘little darlings’ in the 18th century, the Clovelly Herring Festival promotes traditional, sustainable fishing. With stalls, exhibitions and shanty singing, it’s a fun day out for all the family to enjoy.
Clovelly Herring Festival

Wimborne Food Festival, October

A place to celebrate independent food producers brewers, winemakers and chefs, all of whom are dedicated to highlighting the very best of local food and drink; with demonstrations, a ‘tasters area’ and family-friendly activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Wimborne Food Festival