What does sustainability and provenance mean?
We all “know” what it means, right? ‘Provenance’ is the geographical area something comes from; ‘sustainability’ is whether or not it is going to be around for the next 5 years.Simple?
Well, not quite.
Sustainability — Sustainability places emphasis on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.For us who apply our trade in the hospitality sector, that breaks down to reducing carbon footprints, supporting the local market, packaging waste, and animal suffering to name a few points.I have spent many years building relationships with suppliers, going to visit their sites, discussing packaging and really focusing on ensuring that we are doing the best we can for the next generation. But we don’t always put a lot of thought into every aspect of our business when it comes to carbon footprints and local markets.Are your suppliers doing everything they can? — ask them.
Most suppliers are very proud of their sustainability plans and would be delighted to show you. It also adds awareness (and an element of perhaps-needed pressure) to suppliers who may not view sustainability as important.Are you supporting the local market as best you can? — this is a tough one but put some thought into it and you may find yourself discovering some hidden local purveyors and companies. It may also open up some new opportunities for you. Who would you recommend as some of your best local producers? I’d love to know!
Provenance — So, what is food provenance you ask?Food provenance means knowing the root of where your food has come from; therefore knowing how the food was produced (helps to better understand your sustainability), transported (carbon footprint) and delivered to us. Avenues like the Farmers Retail Association and London Farmers Markets help build the connection between consumers and producers so that we may better understand where our food comes from.It allows punters to rub shoulders with producers and pose questions about where the food was grown, raised or caught, what farming methods were used and what sustainable measures are in place with the deliveries.There is a lot of confusion around the concepts of buying locally versus food provenance. If you buy produce in your local area it does not mean that they are actually grown or made in that region.
This is very important and is the distinctive difference between sustainability and provenance. However, they do go hand in hand. It is most likely that the produce was grown, reared or caught in another county or even country. This can confuse the consumer into thinking they are buying local produce and supporting their local farmers. As the broader public becomes more interested in knowing where their food comes from the difference between true food provenance and buying locally will become more widely understood.When farmers and producers promote the provenance of their produce, they can access niche markets and higher profits that would normally be unavailable to them. By advertising the provenance of their produce, including how it was produced and transported, they are giving themselves a competitive edge over other producers.
Buying sustainably and knowing the provenance doesn’t mean you must buy local. But understanding one will help you achieve both.So how do the Farmers Retail Association and London Farmers Markets websites support Food Provenance?It helps show the point of origin of the product and allows consumers to find and contact producers directly. It also improves food traceability by allowing producers to connect with other producers they do business with from paddock to plate which makes the movement of local produce more transparent for consumers.I’m interested to know who some of your favourite suppliers are and how you’re making your business sustainable.
Drop me a line — I’d love to hear your thoughts!
