PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS - Advice for Green Valley Producers

As regular customers know, we currently stock an excellent array of jams and chutneys.  We are always interested in new products, and producers, especially those of you who are using up gluts of seasonal fruit and vegetables.

If you are interested in producing for us, do get in touch first - either Carol ( the shop manager) or Helen ( the local food co-ordinator) will be able to advise you on what demand there is.

Please also read the following advice.

FOOD HYGIENE

As a retailer, The Green Valley Grocer has legal as well as moral obligations to protect the health of its customers, and must be confident that anyone supplying the shop with processed foods has the appropriate qualification in Food Hygiene. We therefore require that all such producers undertake a Level 1 (minimum) Certificate in Food Safety and Hygiene.

PRODUCTION SITE

Each producer is responsible for ensuring that their kitchen conforms to a high standard of hygiene. Because they are producing for a retailer, individuals may have their kitchen inspected by an Environmental Health Officer.

PACKAGING

All preserves, chutneys, cordials etc must be presented in sterilised jars with new lids which are appropriate for the product. Staff at The Green Valley Grocer currently label produce and will need a complete list of ingredients, in descending order of weight, and an exact weight – in the case of jams and marmalades, the weight must be a recognised unit for the product –

ie: 57g (2oz) 113g (4oz) 227g (8oz) 340g (12oz) 454g (16oz)

The staff should also be given any information about possible allergens ( ie gluten) or the possible presence of stones.

You may decide that you wish to join Pennine Country Markets, a separate co-operative which sells good quality cakes and preserves to retailers such as the GVG.  If you wish to contact Country Markets to discuss the benefits to you as a producer, call Janine Lishman-Peat on 01226 767456 / email: jlishman-peat@hotmail.com

Useful Contacts:

Kirklees Environmental Health Unit 01484 226452

www.food.gov.uk (advice about food hygiene)

www.virtual-college.co.uk (all current shop staff have gained their level 2 Food Hygiene qualifications through this online facility)

For further information contact Helen Coxan at The Green Valley Grocer on 01484 598050