Notes from our Managing Director, Paul Hill.

This newsletter is very much devoted to our farm shop, for which I make no apology, as there is much work being done there. During the quietest months of the year, we look at what needs to be changed within the business.

This year, we have focussed our attention on upgrading the internal layout of the farm shop and bringing back a Delicatessen counter, something that both our customers and I have missed since 2018.

In order to create the space to do this, two of our production units are no longer visible from the shop floor. However, please be assured that these departments are still working hard to bring you your favourite items, and that will not change!

We also have a brand-new butchery counter to showcase our meat from our Estate. Some very exciting products are in development from the Butchery team, including a new flavour of sausages, which will be available to you very soon.

We are always looking for ways of reducing our carbon footprint and reducing energy consumption where we can. Our old fresh produce fridge was not efficient and upgrading this made perfect sense, as not only does the new fridge use significantly less energy, but having glass doors, the quality of the produce will be maintained for longer.

Over the summer months, we have an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruit from our Walled Garden and as soon as this arrives, our new island fridge will display this produce.

I am conscious, having worked here for ten years, that there are some products that we no longer produce which you would like to see again. The investment in new equipment and the updated layout will enable us to review these products and you may see some old favourites returning, alongside a lot of new products.

We have a new Bakery Manager. Anna worked for us in the early years of Ludlow Food Centre and I am thrilled she has come back. We have high expectations for our Bakery this year. Watch this space!

I am delighted that all areas are performing well. This can only be achieved with the continued support, our loyal customers and the exceptional team I work with. Here’s to warmer days ahead!