County Produce Marketing, which opened its food-handling centre this week with the aim of selling locally grown food and drink, has revealed its concept has received wider backing.
As well as being supported by Kent County Council with the Produced in Kent initiative, it has also been welcomed by Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex Councils, all of which operate similar schemes.
The warehouse leased from HRI East Malling has been refurbished at a cost of £100,000, and apart from a display area, has cold stores and a pre-packing line. The centre is open six days a week and provides 24-hour ordering. CPM has also set up a web site: www.countyproduce.co.uk.
At a trade open day last week, directors Jon King (pictured left) and Paul Kidd (centre) revealed that there are 70 suppliers on the books, of which 25 per cent are fruit and veg producers with potential for many more. Also pictured is Kent CC’s Rob Weaver.
The concept goes beyond a cash and carry, where growers deliver their produce and retailers and caterers come to buy.
King said the initial target market would be multiples and large catering companies where CPM would offer a delivery service.
As reported last week, it has already attracted Waitrose, which will be trialing a locally grown fixture at its Tonbridge store from Monday, and Shepherd Neame, the Kent brewery and pub-restaurant group.
