Buying British in the Hospitality Industry
With focus on sustainability being a huge part of 2022, we look ahead to next year and ways you can improve your environmental operational impact. A key way we’d recommend is using local / buying British as a way of ensuring your products, and their associated manufacturing chain, has the smallest eco-impact as possible. We appreciate this sounds like a lot but allow us at Alliance Online to elaborate.
Local / British Product Sourcing
Generations ago, buying local was the only option people had, but post-war industrialisation and improved international transport links opened up the world of trade. As such, we have become less accustomed to seasonality due to the year-round accessibility of produce.
Normally access to produce is not an issue but with the stranding of the Ever Given in the Suez Canal in 2021 and the increase in energy prices, delivery and stock availability is not as guaranteed as it has been previously. Equally, as we now live in a fast-paced world the expectation on order completion is much higher than ever before. In turn, looking for local options which can be easily delivered in a timely fashion can be a better alternative at least for part of your menu so you always have meals in stock.
As an island which demonstrates notable seasons, we experience four distinct times of year with set weather patterns. As a result, we produce seasonal food meaning any locally-bought based menu will be subject to change throughout the year. We would recommend reviewing any local farms or manufacturers close to you so you can form a calendar of produce and add meals to your menu when ingredients are in season.
Local Sourcing is More Than Just Food
In the past five years buying local has been at the centre of a large advertising drive, whether it be local sourcing or choosing to buy “wonky” produce, the focal point has been less waste and a reduced carbon footprint. The idea of local sourcing can be extended beyond food though and can be incorporated into the process of purchasing catering equipment.
When looking at buying in new catering equipment whether it be capital equipment, crockery, cooking utensils, glassware or more, buying local (or certainly from the same country) can be much more economically and environmentally friendly.
But how to best do so?
We would always recommend searching for local businesses or UK based wholesalers when looking to kit out catering / hospitality areas of your venue. The main reason being delivery times and the potential for a meaningful supplier-customer relationship. Building a partnership with a local business can be great for business as over the years they will come to understand your needs, your requirements and your buying habits. Equally, local businesses will more likely have a quicker delivery date where your orders are concerned and may be able to accommodate tighter deadlines or quickly replace breakages due to being locally based.
British buying can be something which requires a little more time investment but doing so can garner great results. We understand as a leading national supplier to both UK and Ireland how beneficial it can be for customers to buy from local businesses. Due to our extensive branch network across the UK our clients gain access to local reps who have a greater understanding of the trends, products and services which best suit certain regions. For more information about how buying from Alliance Online, or our Alliance Local network can help your business contact us on 01270 252333 or email us on hello@allianceonline.co.uk.
