In this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we are pleased to feature Barfoots as our Sustainable, Fresh Produce Company of the Month.
In 1976, fifth-generation farmer Peter Barfoot began cultivating a single crop in the distinctive microclimate of the Hampshire Basin, marking the humble beginnings of what would become an industry-leading fresh produce company. Today, Barfoots remains a family-owned enterprise, dedicated to sustainably growing, preparing, and distributing premium fresh sweetcorn and specialty vegetables from farms and facilities across the globe.
Peter Barfoot’s guiding principle – ‘look after the land like you are going to farm forever’ continues to be at the heart of the company. This philosophy influences every aspect of Barfoots’ operations, from its commitment to sustainable farming practices and community stability, to the development of its team and the meticulous preparation and delivery of its products to customers.
Barfoots is dedicated to building a sustainable vegetable business that promotes the health and well-being of future generations. This commitment to sustainability was recognised when Peter Barfoot received a CBE for Services to Sustainable Farming in the 2020 New Year Honours.
Every aspect of Barfoots is interrogated and improved with a view to being more sustainable. From improving soil health and biodiversity to growing delicious nutritious crops that contribute positively to the environment, and investing in technology that converts vegetable waste to electricity waste water to irrigation, and potable water.
“We’ve pioneered the supply of many semi-exotic vegetables to the UK. Our customers include the major supermarkets and leading national restaurant chains. We strive to deliver new and exciting ways for consumers to enjoy vegetables that are produced as sustainably as possible,” said Kim Barfoot-Brace, Brand & Marketing Manager.
Asparagus, chillies, courgettes, green beans, squash, sweet potatoes, and tenderstem are some of the fresh vegetables that Barfoots grow, and as a company, it is always looking for new and exciting ways for consumers to enjoy vegetables as sustainably as possible.
“Our Freshlock product is an exciting innovation that extends the life of sweetcorn whilst retaining the taste, texture and vibrancy of fresh. Pre-cut with just a few minutes to prepare, the product is very convenient whilst also helping reduce waste. We’re currently providing it to food service where it has been received incredibly well, and we also have plans to introduce it to convenience retail,” added Kim.
Barfoots is continually looking to make gains in efficiency to essentially be more sustainable as a business, from the varieties they grow, to how the produce is produced and processed. Kim expanded on this, “Since 2010, we’ve been energy self-sufficient thanks to our anaerobic digestion plant, which turns vegetable waste into energy and organic fertiliser. Recently, we expanded our sustainability efforts with 5,464 solar panels, generating 2,240MWh annually and saving 399 tonnes of carbon – the equivalent of planting 20,563 trees. We’re constantly refining processes to reduce our carbon footprint, from refrigeration upgrades to optimising transport.”
One of the biggest challenges that the fresh produce industry faces is the unpredictability of the weather where climate change, plays a huge part. We asked Kim how does Barfoots address such challenges.
“As growers, Barfoots are at the mercy of the weather…and one could say the coal face of climate change. Barfoots continues to strategically think about navigating future risk, such as working with seed partners on developing more robust crops and growing locations that enable more efficient natural resource management whilst continuing to invest in soil health and biodiversity initiatives.”
“The impact of climate change on growing is an ongoing challenge that we are continually adapting to. Navigating it is complex and multifaceted…from the development of the varieties of vegetables we grow, to location, timing and techniques of managing severe weather and managing resources efficiently.”
“As the business grows year on year, every major decision is based off one question: Will this make us a more sustainable vegetable business? Barfoots will continue to invest in improving the sustainability of the business whilst putting the provision of delicious nutritious vegetables at the forefront of our responsibility in helping people to eat good and feel good.”
For more information, please see below:
T 01243 268811
info@barfoots.co.uk
https://www.barfoots.com
https://www.freshlockbybarfoots.com
Instagram: @barfootsuk
Linkedin: Barfoots of Botley Ltd
Credit: James King. Photographer