Fresher by Miles

'.....different routes to market through a new farmer co-operative'

Fresher by Miles, based in Badsey in Worcestershire, is a newly formed farmer co-operative supplying a range of customers, including the public sector, through a web-based marketing and distribution hub.

The co-operative aims to be a one-stop-shop for customers by supplying wide range of fresh, locally sourced products. Products are both sourced and distributed to customers within a 30 mile radius of the distribution hub.

Fresher by Miles are currently supplying local schools in Worcestershire and Warwickshire in a pilot scheme to encourage schools to source from local producers.

They supply the schools in a variety of different ways; either via a contract caterer or by working directly with the catering manager at the school or the county council public procurement officer.

The structure of the business allows Fresher by Miles to offer continuity of supply as well as delivering larger volumes of a wide range of products, than producers would be able to supply individually.

Producers benefit from access to markets such as the public sector with minimal risk capital; they pay a small joining and annual membership fee, and a proportion of the value of products sold through the co-operative to cover marketing and running costs.

Key learning points

  • There are a whole range of routes to market in the public sector. This example shows three potential supply chains set up to supply local schools.
  • The ability of the business to offer delivery of a wide range of products to a range of markets is key for supplying these contracts.
  • Development grants have been used to establish Fresher by Miles. Farmer members are also asked to share risk of investment in the business.

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