It is possible to serve guests locally-sourced ingredients, which can improve the quality of your food and help the environment. But how do you do it? We will be discussing how you can use locally sourced produce to increase your profits as well as the best ways to make the most of the ingredients you purchase.
What does “Locally Sourced” mean?
Locally sourced ingredients refer to items that were purchased from local farmers, fishmongers, or other fresh produce producers. If you, as a manager or restaurant owner, decide to purchase all your meat from a farmer located more than 10 miles away, you are sourcing locally. After many years of involvement, the term “locavore” was coined for those who prefer produce from the local region.
What does it mean to be “local?” Others say you must live within 100 miles of the farm where your ingredients are being purchased to be considered local. While others argue that ingredients sourced locally should be anywhere from 500 miles away. There is no right or wrong answer.
What is Farm-To-Table?
In the 2000s, the farm-to-table movement gained mass popularity. It relies on being capable of tracing what you eat back to its origin producer. This could be beef steaks from a local farmer or seafood from a local fishing company. This movement is designed to encourage as many local business owners to source produce locally as possible.
What’s the Difference Between Organic and Locally Sourced Produce?
Many people believe that organic and locally sourced foods are the same products, possibly because they have similar benefits. Are they really the same thing? Although ingredients can be organically sourced locally, they are two different concepts. Let’s take a closer look at the differences.
Organic
To be labeled organic, organic produce must first pass very strict regulations. These regulations often cover the methods used to grow or rear produce, the responsible use of energy, the preservation and use of ethical practices in the creation of produce. Many people choose to purchase organic products due to their health and moral benefits.
Locally Sourced
Locally sourced ingredients come from farmers or growers located near your home, restaurant, or supplier. Although local food has many benefits, it is not as restrictive as organic. Locally sourced foods are less restricted in terms of labelling than organic. Local farmers produce goods that are high-quality and have many health and culinary benefits, despite having less stringent guidelines.
Both organic and locally sourced produce have their own benefits. You must decide which option is best for your business if you want to make a profit. Organic produce is preferred by restaurants that focus on healthy food and customers who are health-conscious. A country pub looking to make rustic dishes might choose to source their produce from local farmers.
Why use locally sourced materials and ingredients?
Locally sourced ingredients offer many benefits beyond what you might think. There are three main factors to consider when starting to source locally.
Environment
Food Quality
Local Economy
Environment
To preserve our planet, wildlife, and health, it is important to use environmentally friendly practices. The hospitality and catering industry has seen a significant increase in recycling and reusing products, as well as supplying environmentally friendly goods. The UK imported approximately 50% of its food in 2017, food that can often been grown locally or produced by suppliers and farmers all year. These imports need to be transported, which often takes the form of ships or planes. These transport methods play a significant role in increasing the amount of carbon dioxide that is pumped into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming. This can be reversed. We can save our planet and our money by buying carefully sourced ingredients directly from farmers.
Food Quality
Your customers will return if you are able to provide high-quality food. Farmers have a great sense of when the produce is at its best. Buying from overseas reduces your control over the quality of your produce. This can have a significant impact on the quality of your products as well as the perception of your business by customers.
However, local sourcing can be a huge benefit to your business. Because goods are less likely to be moved long distance, it is not necessary to use additional preservatives. Transport costs can also be reduced.
Local Economy
Produce from the local area can be a huge boon to the local economy. Farmers make the majority of their income selling produce to local cafes, restaurants and wholefood shops. Locally buying means that you’re actually helping your community thrive. Money stays in the hands of locals and not going to foreign countries. By keeping the local economy strong, businesses can create new opportunities and jobs.
How to Make Profits from Locally Sourced Ingredients
Locally sourced goods offer many benefits. You may wonder, “How will this make me rich?” Two simple variables can increase your profit: the price that you charge and how many customers you serve.
You can charge more if you offer a lot of high-quality meals or individual products. Customers will be more inclined to pay more for goods sourced locally. This will also improve your business’s outlook, which will result in increased sales and profits. Let’s look at these menu items as an example.
Rump Steak and Chips
Somerset Bred Ribeye Beef Steak With Jersey Royal New Potatoes
Which one would you prefer to buy? Adding additional information to your menu adds a unique and premium touch that allows guests to learn more about the food they are eating. This gives guests the opportunity to inquire about the origins of the ingredients and their source. It is important that all staff are well-versed in the menu and have information about the ingredients.
Your staff should be available to answer questions about food and allergies during peak times, bank holidays, and weekend shifts. If you purchase locally, you can provide this information to your guests and improve their experience.
Bad publicity is not possible, but it is possible for the hospitality industry to have bad publicity. Your business’s image is crucial to your sales. You will be more appealing to existing and new customers if you promote local farmers’ products and community involvement.
Customers will also love the rustic appeal of locally-sourced produce. A great way to provide hearty meals is to open a cafe in a rural village or country-pub. You can make your guests’ favourite dishes a regular feature of your menu by using meat, fish, and veg grown in the UK.
Article: Share photos and captions of your farm visits via your Instagram pages. This guide will help you improve your social media presence.
What are the disadvantages of buying locally-sourced foods?
While there are many benefits to buying ingredients from local farms and ranches, what about the downsides? Farmers can drive a hard bargain. The majority of produce you purchase will be significantly more expensive than what you can get from a larger supplier. If you are able to agree to a long-term partnership, and place consistent orders, price reductions can be negotiated. Your outgoings will be much higher if you source your produce from overseas, unless a deal is made. Local markets can be a great way to meet suppliers and gain valuable insight. You may be able to negotiate better prices for your regular supplies if you are in a stronger bargaining position.
Preservative-free ingredients have their benefits, but they also come with a lower shelf life. Local farmers’ produce will last much longer than products with added preservatives. This means that you may produce more waste, but this can be reduced if you have efficient food storage.
TIP: Vacuum-packing is a great way to extend the shelf life of produce and reduce waste.
Can Locally Sourced Foods Be Suitable for Everyone?
Locally sourced foods might not be practical. Unfortunately, most businesses and individuals can’t afford to buy in bulk from farmers until they have enough common ingredients to drive down prices. However, this does not mean that you won’t be able to find bargains at your local farmers market. Most produce will be comparable in price to supermarkets.
Establish a relationship with your local fishmongers, farmers, and coffee roasters. Learn about their produce, and who knows what discounts or training you might receive. A local coffee-roaster might offer their expertise in barista to you and your staff, which could help improve your business.
You can only find out if local ingredients are right for your needs if you do your research and purchase the products yourself. You can start small and slowly you will learn more about the variety of produce available to you – which could help you create your next best-selling recipe.
