Local apple juice company to supply Hampshire school meals service
23 February 2010
Pupils at schools across Hampshire and Southampton City are now able to enjoy fresh local apple juice as result of a ground-breaking negotiations between Hampshire County Supplies, Hampshire Fare producer, Mr Whitehead’s Drinks and 3663, the food distributor appointed by Hampshire County Supplies.
Mr Whitehead’s Drinks, based in Alton, is supplying Hampshire County Council Catering Services (HC3S) and Southampton City Catering with apple juice for use in school meals in over 500 primary and 40 secondary schools across the two authorities, all Hampshire County Council care homes, as well as a handful of schools in Wiltshire and Dorset.
County food group, Hampshire Fare, was instrumental in setting up meetings between Angus Whitehead of Mr Whitehead’s Drinks and John Foskett, Principal Food Buyer for Hampshire County Council which ultimately led to the finished product.
Hampshire Fare Manager, Tim Brock said: “This initiative is of national significance, resulting from the government’s plan to support local businesses within public sector purchasing policy. This follows ongoing collaborations between Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Fare and Hampshire producers, including the supply of 17 tonnes of Hampshire-reared beef and 700,000 Hampshire free-range eggs per year onto the school meals menu. With the help of their distributor, 3663, Hampshire County Council has made a real commitment to supporting local producers and must be applauded for leading the way”.
Hampshire County Council’s Principal Food Buyer, John Foskett added: "The development and introduction of this exciting Hampshire product with its attendant freshness and educational possibilities - demonstrating that at different times of the year English apples produce juice that varies in looks and taste - shows the benefit of engaging with small local suppliers. This is also a testament to the work that Hampshire Fare undertakes in its efforts to support the local economy which I estimate will benefit by up to £100,000".
The apples used to make the juice, including Cox, Royal Gala, Bramley, Russet, Discovery, Braeburn, Worcester Pearmain and Spartan varieties, are grown on Blackmoor Estate near Liss.
Pressed and bottled at Selborne near Alton, the bottled juice is collected by 3663 returning from delivery trips (known as ‘backhauling’) to ensure minimum food miles.
The juice is made from the first pressing and contains no added sugar, no added chemicals, no added flavours and no added preservative. Juice from a second pressing is made into cider vinegar, and the remaining apple pulp is then used by a local farmer as cattle feed, so nothing is wasted. Previously, apple juice on the school meals menu was imported.
Angus Whitehead of Mr Whitehead’s Drinks said: “This opportunity provides Mr Whitehead’s Drinks with long term stability. For children to learn about how food is produced and where it comes from has to be good for their education. With all the various varieties of apples we’re using throughout the year they’ll also be able to discover how different apples have different flavours. We’re also planning to be able to invite school groups to come and see how apple juice is made and have a go at pressing juice.”
A DVD illustrating how Hampshire has successfully implemented local food onto the County Council menus can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
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