A SEASON OF GIVING!
Taken from this month’s Cotswold Life magazine
Go local this Christmas and make someone’s day
As I write, we’ve only just put the clocks back and turned the heating on – it feels rather too early to start talking about Christmas. But in the world of food and farming, Christmas preparation began in January and doesn’t really let up until the big day itself.
For many farmers and local producers, this is the most important time of the year - after months of working all the hours of the day and often the night, this is when everything comes together - and crucially, when customers are at their most generous.
At Warner’s, we celebrate local producers all year round, but Christmas is special and when we can really go the extra mile. That’s why we host an annual Christmas Local Suppliers’ Day at our Warner’s store in Upton-upon-Severn, when, like the mysterious wise men of the east, our local suppliers come bearing yuletide gifts.
This year’s event on 22nd November is a chance for customers to come and taste some incredible, festive, local produce. It’s a chance to meet local suppliers and hear their story, to try their products and maybe pop a couple of items into your shopping basket.
Whether it’s for a gourmet gift, or to enjoy alongside your usual Christmas spread, choosing a local product at this time of year can make a huge difference to those who made it. Not only will it make their day – it’ll make yours too.
Our top 4 Festive Highlights:
Kitchen Garden Foods: Christmas is a time for condiments - but which of these 20 award-winning products will you want to find on your dining table this year? The Cherry & Amaretto Jam is an all-time favourite while the Luxury Lemon Curd is what childhood memories are made of. And you can’t go wrong with the Organic Plum & Cranberry Chutney for Boxing Day.
Penrhos Spirits: there’s so much choice when it comes to gins and spirits these days, so why not cut the noise and go local. This fantastic range is made using ingredients grown on the distillery’s Herefordshire farm and the flavours really do shine through – for the ultimate feelgood factor, go for the Wonky Strawberry Gin, made using wonky strawberries left over from the summer harvest, all presented in a 100% recycled aluminium bottle.
Ruby’s Fudge: this award-winning fudge is for anyone with a sweet tooth and makes a refreshing change from the usual box of Celebrations or Quality Street. Made to a traditional recipe using traditional ingredients, there are 14 flavours to choose from. For Christmas, you can’t beat the double Gold Star-winning Brandy & Cranberry Fudge or the Christmas Pudding Fudge, both available in gift boxes as well as gift bags.
The Cotswolds Distillery: 10 years ago, a single malt whisky from the Cotswolds just didn’t exist. Today, thanks to the craft and skill of the team at The Cotswolds Distillery, you can now choose from a number of fine single malts and limited edition cask whiskies, all brewed to perfection right here on our home turf. You don’t need to be a whisky connoisseur to celebrate that!