Bristol Food Hub

To create a distribution centre for local producers from in and around Bristol, to give an easier route into Bristol markets. At the moment, small-scale producers handle their own individual distribution of their own products. By pooling produce via a hub, this shares the distribution costs and makes it easier for local shops, restaurants & cafes to "one-stop-shop" from a range of local suppliers. The Hub could also become a food business "incubator", incorporating time-share commercial kitchens so people can test-the-water with a business idea or product, without the need for substantial start-up investment.
 

Why the contribution is important

If we are to relocalise our food supply in Bristol - which is a good thing in terms of food security and in de-carbonising supply chains - then we need to help support local growers and producers in getting routes into the Bristol market. We can help with a physical hub, which at its most basic, is a warehouse and collection-point for local produce coming into Bristol. However, the Hub could be much more than that - it could provide guarantees about fair treatment for growers, incorporating codes of conduct about how we trade with each other.

by user721621 on December 13, 2013 at 07:43PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 3.3
Based on: 6 votes

Comments

  • Posted by user356171 December 19, 2013 at 18:04

    Can't this be achieved in conjunction with St. Phillips Fruit & Veg Market? I think it would be a good idea to speak with them. They are struggling to complete with the supermarkets' distriubtion systems so this might help St. Phillips and the small shops that depend on it, as well as local suppliers.

  • Posted by user143089 January 02, 2014 at 22:49

    A. This idea needs to consider the incorporation of a hub or hubs for the production of food too; compost production, nurseries for seedlings etc.,
    B. The danger is that some one starts taking a cut as middleman/person or manager etc., and the growers/producers end up making no (or very little) money but the middleman/person or manager does very nicely thank you!
    So the adminstration/running of such a set up would have to be very streamlined to be viable.
    The bristol pounds facility of paying by text might be key to making ordering/paying fast and flexible.
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