It is no secret that using local produce in the restaurant industry can have numerous benefits. Not only does it support the local economy, but by buying locally sourced ingredients there is an opportunity to ensure that the food selected for your business is of a higher quality.
For this reason, chefs everywhere are turning to their communities and find homegrown products they can easily source and access. Because of this shift, your customers will be able to identify with the area surrounding your restaurant, allowing them to connect with your establishment on a deeper level and experience a sense of authenticity.
You can also be sure that you are providing meals that are made with fresher ingredients, which translates into better-tasting dishes and long term customer loyalty. Local produce can truly help you take your restaurant business to the next level.
After all, the best way to boost your sales is to give your customer exactly what they want. According to recent research, one of the clear leading factors that customers consider when making the decision on where to dine, is local British produce.
If you’re sourcing your ingredients locally, customers are more inclined to support your business. As well as this, customers would be willing to spend an average further 25% on food if they were aware that It contained British produce.
What makes something locally sourced produce
Locally sourced produce refers to fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products that are grown or produced within a relatively close geographical proximity to the point of sale or consumption. What distinguishes these items is their origin, which lies in the community or region where they are harvested or manufactured.
The emphasis on locality ensures that these goods traverse shorter distances from farm to table, reducing carbon emissions and supporting the local economy. Moreover, opting for locally sourced produce often guarantees a higher level of freshness and flavor, as the items are harvested at their peak ripeness, allowing consumers to savor the authentic taste of the season.
This focus on sustainability, community support, and superior quality makes locally sourced produce a compelling choice for conscientious consumers and a significant step towards fostering a more environmentally responsible and resilient food system.
Benefits of sourcing local ingredients
There are a wide number of benefits for your restaurant when it comes to sourcing locally. View our list below for further details:
- The ingredients are fresher
If you have purchased your ingredients from a local provider, the chances are that they will be much fresher. The time it takes to get from the farm to one of your tables is much lower in this scenario and the quicker you can get them to your restaurant, the fresher they’ll be when your customer sits down to enjoy them. This also means your ingredients are highly likely to be recently picked and grown, with your fruit and vegetables going through much less preservation than if you had them imported from a long distance.
This doesn’t only help you to achieve a greater level of flavour within the meals that you sell, but it’ll literally look better on the plate too. Your food will appear more fresh and therefore, far more vibrant.
- You help out the environment
By purchasing locally grown food, you’re being better to our environment and helping the planet out, which is always a good thing to be a part of. Less energy is used for harvesting when you buy locally, less fuel is used in the transportation process, and less pesticides and chemicals are normally used on crops. This helps the planet and the morality of your business as a brand, making it a win-win situation.
You won’t be alone on your crusade for local produce, either. From the Michelin-starred Le Manoir and L’Enclume, to Tom Adams’ hyperlocal Coombeshead Farm Restaurant, chefs and restaurants up and down the country are embracing locally-sourced food.
- You’re supporting your local economy
By shopping around for your ingredients locally, you’ll obviously helping out your local economy, which is a great thing at any time, but it is especially good during the Coronavirus pandemic. When you buy local you help help to keep money within your own area of the country; the money stays inside your community. This helps to both support and sustain other businesses that are local to you, many of which you’ll come to rely on for your ingredients, so therefore you’re technically helping yourself.
This will also help you to build strong relationships between yourself, other businesses and other business owners. If your business venture ever needs a bit of a helping hand, you may just find that these relationships you’ve managed to build and maintain within your local community will get you out of a jam. This works both ways too, so be ready to support others when they need it if you ever want the favour to be returned.
- Making your brand look good
We may have touched upon this already, but it is a point worth hammering home and taking note of. If you’re using locally sourced produce, make sure you’re letting your customers know, as it’ll likely put you up in their expectations and mind-set. This will help to display a positive image and show that your brand is conscious of where it gets its food from, while also being thoughtful of our environment and economy. This will be the difference between you and your competitors in many cases and might just be the thing that can give you that all-important edge over them in the mind of the consumer.
- Add interest to your menu through seasonal items
Revitalize your dining experience with an ever-evolving menu, and watch as your restaurant or bar thrives with a delightful mix of loyal patrons and curious newcomers. The secret lies in the art of embracing seasonal dishes, a captivating strategy that sets your establishment apart.
By infusing your menu with seasonal delights, you unlock a world of possibilities. Not only are these culinary creations more cost-effective to craft, but their freshness and vibrancy breathe new life into your traditional offerings. Your cherished customers will be enchanted by the ever-changing array of flavors, eagerly anticipating each limited-time treat.
With the passing of each season, your establishment becomes a hub of excitement, drawing in diners with the promise of exclusive delicacies that tantalize their taste buds. Embrace the allure of seasonal dishes, and witness the magic of delectable wonders that leave a lasting impression on everyone who steps through your doors,
Frequently asked questions
Why should restaurants use local produce?
Restaurants should use local produce as it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to improving our carbon footprint. It benefits the local economy, including supporting local farmers and other producers.
Why is it advisable to use locally produced products?
It is advisable to use locally produced products as they produce less waste by eliminating unnecessary transportation and delivery, therefore reducing the amount of packaging being used. Less packaging means less waste and less demand on landfill sites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating locally sourced produce into your restaurant is not just a culinary trend but a powerful commitment to creating a more sustainable and community-driven dining experience. By choosing local, you embrace the freshest flavors of the region, supporting local farmers and businesses while reducing your carbon footprint.
The undeniable allure of seasonal dishes entices both loyal patrons and new customers, making your establishment an enticing destination for food enthusiasts seeking unique and authentic experiences. Moreover, promoting local produce establishes your restaurant as a responsible and conscientious player in the larger effort to build a resilient and eco-friendly food system.
So, let the essence of the community flourish on your plates, and watch as your dedication to local sourcing elevates your restaurant to new heights of culinary excellence, customer satisfaction, and positive impact on the world around you.
Lee Jones is a seasoned Business Finance Specialist with over two decades of invaluable experience in the financial sector. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for helping businesses thrive, Lee has become a trusted advisor to countless organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of finance.