Provenance and quality – the key to success
A successful own brand demands a number of key qualities and, as we demonstrated in our previous Behind the Brand feature, our suppliers undergo a rigorous process to ensure all of our Country Range products are of the upmost quality and offer consistency across the board.
Food provenance and sustainability are equally key areas of importance. Caterers and their customers want to know where their food has come from – where it was grown, raised or reared, in other words, it’s point of origin. Consumers also want to know that the workers involved in growing and harvesting products – particularly in developing countries which might not have the same strict employment and safety legislation as the UK – have been treated fairly. Country Range takes food provenance extremely seriously and was the first foodservice brand to produce tea that is 100% sourced from Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM farms. We also offer Country Range Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM Coffee.
An example of our commitment to sustainability and provenance is our much-heralded herbs and spices range. Country Range offers a comprehensive collection of over 100 of the finest quality dried herbs, spices and seasoning products, each with strict set individual product specifications. In order to continue to provide the highest quality standards, our team of experts regularly travel around the world visiting our trading partners, many of whom are farmers themselves, with whom we have long-established relationships.
With raw materials imported from all over the world, it is vital that in-house processes are able to ensure that all ingredients reach you, the caterer, in a safe and unadulterated state. Therefore, raw materials are brought into the UK where they enter a modern and efficient processing plant – which is a BRC Global Standards AA site – specifically designed for the procurement, blending and packing of quality herbs and spices. On arrival, all materials undergo routine quality analysis through both in-house and independent laboratories before processing can commence. The latest technologies are combined with the genuine commitment and craftsmanship of a dedicated team to ensure that Country Range can maintain the highest level of quality assurance. All high risk materials are heat treated as standard procedure and each stage of processing is assessed to ensure quality is not compromised.
BRC Global Standards is a leading safety and quality certification programme, used by over 23,000 certificated suppliers in 123 countries, with certification issued through a worldwide network of accredited certification bodies. AA is the highest standard that can be achieved.
Just our cup of tea
Country Range 100% Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM Tea launched in 2009 and was immediately applauded within the industry. It is grown in Kenya on estates which have achieved the Rainforest Alliance’s CertifiedTM comprehensive standards and have been awarded the green frog seal. Rainforest Alliance is an international not-for-profit organisation that works to protect the environment and improve living conditions for those who depend on the land for their livelihood. Sourcing tea from Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM producers will help protect wildlife and improve the welfare of tea growing communities.
Martin Ward, Country Range Group Trading Director, said: ‘We were thrilled to be the first foodservice company to produce tea that is 100% sourced from Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM farms. It was a project we had been working on for some time and was in response to demands from customers who wanted to offer ethical trading practices to their business. Consumers are becoming much more aware of sustainability issues and the need to provide practical help and support for workers in developing countries. With this product our caterers can demonstrate their commitment not only to quality but high ethical standards.”
BRC Global Standards is a leading safety and quality certification programme, used by over 23,000 certificated suppliers in 123 countries, with certification issued through a worldwide network of accredited certification bodies. AA is the highest standard that can be achieved.
What Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM means:
• Less water pollution, maintaining bio diversity and sources of potable drinking water
• Improved profitability and competitiveness for farmers
• Reduced threat to the environment and human health by prohibiting the use of dangerous pesticides
• Less waste produced from manufacturing processes
• Wildlife habitat is protected and enhanced
• Improved conditions for farm workers and communities
• Less water consumption in agriculture and the manufacture of produce
• More efficient farm management leading to better value
• Less soil erosion, protecting fertile agricultural lands
• More collaboration between farmers, conservationists and the upward supply change
Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM range:
• Premium Blend One Cup Tea Bags – 1100s
• Premium Blend Envelope and Tagged Tea Bags – 250s
• Roast & Ground Filter Coffee – 60 x 50g
The Country Range website is packed with inspirational recipes made using our own brand products, including our extensive herbs and spices range. Behind the brand Why not try this scrumptious ginger cream meringue with spiced rhubarb compote – a sure fire winter desserts menu winner? http://www.countryrange.co.uk/ recipes/ginger-cream-meringue with- spiced-rhubarb-compote/ Or how about these delicious spiced turkey parcels with coriander raita – perfect for using up leftover turkey over the festive period? http://www.countryrange.co. uk/recipes/spiced-turkeyparcels- with-coriander-raita/
Click here to read the rest of the October 2016 issue of Stir it up
