Renaissance farming better supplier links

The deal helps Renaissance prove its commitment to responsible sourcing as well to supporting the companies that supply it with ingredients. Renaissance has supported Jamie Williams’ Lock’s Drove Farm in Hampshire since 2009, and now buys between 100 and 140 of its free range cross-breed chickens a week, plus pork and lamb cuts on an ad hoc basis.

Renaissance operations director Mark Reynolds says the tie-up works well for the group, whose pubs include the Avalan, pictured. “What we have is quite unique. We really are talking to the farmer. We are not talking to the butcher or the distributor—we are going straight to the farm.” Williams says it has helped chefs to better understand farmers’ timescales and enabled them to plan their cooking better.

Williams and Reynolds’ tips for better links with suppliers include arranging a visit and talking to them about their processes. They also advise buying whole animals from suppliers rather than cuts, as it cuts butchery costs and helps farmers.

For the full story, see Renaissance pubs invest in farm.