Faversham-Based Brewer Shepherd Neame Launches a Fresh New Partnership with Kent Supplier Foodari

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has entered into a tasty new partnership with fellow Kent-based business Foodari.

The partnership will see Foodari supply fresh, sustainably sourced fruit and vegetables to Shepherd Neame's estate of managed pubs and hotels across London and the South East, providing local ingredients for the brewer's seasonal, freshly prepared menus while helping to reduce food miles and champion regional growers.

The collaboration brings together two independent Kent businesses that share a strong commitment to quality, sustainability and supporting local communities. Both companies are also proud holders of Royal Warrants.

The new venture was officially launched this month, during peak strawberry season, at Newlands Farm in Teynham – Foodari's principal strawberry supplier, located less than four miles from Shepherd Neame's historic brewery in Faversham.

Foodari Managing Director Jonathan Parker and Shepherd Neame's Head of Food, Simon Howlett, marked the occasion by surveying some of the 25,000 strawberry plants waiting to be picked and packed into plastic-free, compostable containers. They were joined by Will King, Farm Manager at the fourth generation family fruit farm, which produces around 250 tonnes of strawberries every year. It also grows apples across 35 hectares and blackcurrants across 50 hectares.

Shepherd Neame's Head of Food, Simon Howlett, said: “We are delighted to partner with Foodari as a new supplier, ensuring chefs across our estate have access to some of the finest and freshest, local ingredients available to create delicious dishes every day.

“At Shepherd Neame we are committed to doing the right thing for our communities and the environment. We strive to use local and seasonal produce wherever possible, and are proud to work with trusted suppliers such as Foodari, who share our values and passion for quality.”

Foodari Managing Director Jonathan Parker said: “As Royal Warrant holders with deep roots in Kent, Foodari and Shepherd Neame share a longstanding commitment to quality, provenance and doing business the right way.

“We are delighted to be working together to bring the very best seasonal produce from trusted local growers to Shepherd Neame's pubs and hotels. By sourcing produce locally wherever possible, we can help Shepherd Neame's chefs create seasonal dishes using the freshest ingredients while supporting the farming communities that are at the heart of our county. This partnership is a great example of how local businesses can work together to deliver exceptional quality with a lower environmental impact.”

Foodari has been sourcing and supplying fresh produce for the past 17 years, and holds a Royal Warrant from His Majesty King Charles III for the supply of fruit and vegetables to the Royal Household, having previously held a Royal Warrant from him under his role as Prince of Wales.

Shepherd Neame holds a Royal Warrant for Grant's Morella Cherry Brandy from His Majesty King Charles III, first awarded in 1998 during his tenure as Prince of Wales, and a Royal Warrant for Spitfire Amber Ale, which it has held since 2014.

About Shepherd Neame

Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire Amber, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes the Bear Island and Whitstable Bay collections. It also brews international lagers under licence including premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and 286 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.

About Foodari

Foodari has been devoted to sourcing and supplying outstanding fresh produce to London and the South of England for the past 17 years, specialising in supplying the foodservice industry and catering sectors, including restaurants, hotels, royal households, contract caterers, schools, universities, pubs and some visitor attractions. It has built an unrivalled reputation based on long-lasting and loyal relationships across our complete supply chain. It has a series of dedicated growers, many of which are in Kent, supplying fresh, quality produce.

For more information: Angela Cole, Communications Manager, Shepherd Neame — 01795 542142 / acole@shepherdneame.co.uk / www.shepherdneame.co.uk

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