FOOD and drink suppliers across South Lakeland have been given a big business boost from a national retailer.

Small companies have received lucrative contracts from the Co-op which is extending its local sourcing programme into the county.

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Enterprises in Kendal, Staveley, Ulverston and Kirkby Lonsdale have agreed terms with the food store chain to supply a range of more than 40 products in 18 Cumbrian outlets.

The retailer has committed to double its local suppliers across the country as part of a plan designed to champion local producers. It is a move that the Co-op says will foster closer relationships and break down traditional trading barriers faced by smaller businesses.

Stringers Beer of Ulverston and the Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery Company are two brewers who have won contracts with the Co-op.

Established in 2009, Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery Company – a family-run craft brewery which names its ales after local themes and landmarks – will supply the retailer with two of its beers, its Monumental blond ale and its Stanley’s Pale Ale.

The brewery – which runs a 60 barrel per week operation – will supply 18 of the Co-op’s food stores in Cumbria. It is the largest contract win so far for the brewery.

“It is great news," said director Stuart Taylor. "We are often asked where our beers can be bought and the Co-op provides a great route to market, helping us to reach customers in areas where they may not previously have been able to buy our beers.”

Kendal-based George Romney’s, has also secured a contract to supply eight of its products, including its world famous mint cake.

Director Paula Barron said: "The Co-op’s own ethos, history and values are a great fit for us. For residents and visitors alike it will enable people in our local communities to have access to buying locally produced Cumbrian confectionary.”

Kendal-based Ginger Bakers has won its contract less than six months after moving to new purpose-built premises it invested in after 2015's Storm Desmond. Ginger Bakers will supply three of its products to the Co-op, its chocolate brownies, caramel shortbread and Ginger Jake – named after the founder’s son.

Founder Lisa Smith said: "We are delighted. The timing could not have been better. After we were devastated by floods we made a conscious decision to relocate to a bigger, purpose-built facility in order to expand capacity and develop new ranges based on our traditional recipes – working with the Co-op extends our reach and opens up new markets for us for both residents and visitors to our area.”

Tea and coffee merchant Farrer’s – which is the oldest independent coffee roaster in the country – has brewed up a contract which will now see it supply around 30 Co-op food stores across both Lancashire and Cumbria.

Managing director Simon Walsh said: “We are very happy to work with the Co-op. Many people who try our drinks in the guest houses, restaurants and coffee shops of Cumbria are often keen to take our product home."

Cumbrian Delights of Staveley will supply five of its products, including its damson jam and, chutney; its marmalade and, its Cumbrian hot spot – a chilli jam.

Founder Geoff Monkman said: “This is great news. We produce more than 50 jams and preserves in total, and working with the Co-op will help to spread our brand awareness further afield.

"We believe it will also have a beneficial knock-on effect for many of the farm shops and delis who offer other products from our range – this is our first contract of this size and we are delighted."

Charlotte Bleasdale, ranging manager for the Co-op in Cumbria, said the retailer was proud to be showing off local products in the county.

“It is the innovation, traditions, quality and passion which makes these prized and locally-loved brands," she said.

"Our customers tell us that food provenance really matters to them, quality, trust, convenience and value are key for consumers."

Suzanne Caldwell, deputy chief executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, sees the Co-op’s move as part of a trend.

“Many consumers have become more interested in provenance, in where their food comes from and how it is produced," she said. “They want to buy locally-sourced produce and I think the Co-op is responding to that – as I know they have done elsewhere.

“We have worked with many of these suppliers and know they are passionate about what they do. Some are among those that we stock in our Made in Cumbria shop in Kendal.

“These are terrific businesses and their products are of the highest quality. The Co-op is giving them a new route to market, and that’s a welcome boost.”