Love local with Hampshire Fare’s mouth-watering guide to the county’s finest food, drink and craft

Fruit and veg, dairy and eggs, meat, fish, and game: Hampshire Fare’s annual guide is stuffed with all the finest produce the county has to offer.

Discover Local Produce has returned with a launch event at Swanmore’s Hill Farm Juice, following the arrival of new Director Will Dobson.

Will said: “Right now it is more important than ever to support local.

“The county food and drink group is very effective as a collective, representing nearly 400 hospitality, producer and retail members.

“As a producer, I know Hampshire Fare offers incredibly good bang for your buck as a marketing resource, and the Discover Local Produce guide is a very valuable aspect of that resource.”

Readers are treated to articles on village stores and sustainable seafood, as well as a handy explainer on what’s in season when.

Tracy Nash and Will Dobson. Credit: The Electric Eye Photography

Commercial Manager Tracy Nash is excited about this year’s focus, ‘For the Love of Local Produce’: “It’s all about helping people to choose local by using local shops that support local producers, eating from menus that flag up local producer heroes, and buying local gifts that are more sustainable and greener.

“Our Guide has become established as an essential resource for those in the industry, among them chefs and people running delis, farm shops and village stores. However, it is also appreciated by consumers keen to know more about provenance.

“Local retailers can provide a personal service and advice, making shopping a more enjoyable experience. Let’s give back to our local shops who support local producers and spread the love.”

And never mind what’s inside: this year’s front cover, styled and shot by The Electric Eye Photography, offers a veritable smorgasbord of real local produce.

The foody heart contains gravlax from Butler Country Estates, trout from ChalkStream Foods, eggs from Fluffetts, charcuterie from Hogget and Boar, and cheeses from Laverstoke Park Farm and Lyburn Farm.

There’s also vegetables from Durleighmarsh Farm Shop, micro leaves from Lightfoot’s Farm and Lusso Leaf, mushrooms from New Forest Exotic Mushrooms, and tomatoes from The Tomato Stall.

The free guide is available to view at hampshirefare.co.uk. Copies will also be handed out at upcoming events like Alresford’s Watercress Festival, and farm shops across the county.