British Food Fortnight, which runs until Sunday, October 7, is the biggest national, annual celebration of British food and drink.

Co-op Midcounties Food is marking British Food Fortnight by celebrating the stories of extraordinary local people and businesses behind its Best of Our Counties range, who work tirelessly to put high-quality local produce on its shelves, such as Spots Loggins in Worcestershire.

Evesham-based Spot Loggins is one of the suppliers that has benefited from Best Of Our Counties. Since beginning its partnership with Co-op Midcounties in February, the family-owned farm has supplied 10 different varieties of its locally-produced ice-cream to The Midcounties Co-operative Food stores across the country.

Spots Loggins’ Bretforton House Farm has been farmed by the Appleby family for three generations. The ice cream is made on-site using natural, locally-sourced ingredients and organic milk from cows that are grazed on the farm.

The organic milk is then blended with over 15 natural flavourings, including local fruit when in season and even lavender from Snowshill Lavender Farm. Co-op Midcounties Food stores have stocked traditional favourites including Strawberry, Vanilla, and Chocolate, as well as more unusual flavours like Ginger, After Dinner Mint, and Apple Pie.

Speaking about the partnership, Phoebe Appleby at Spots Loggins, said: “Working with Co-op Midcounties has enabled us to expand our range and do what we love the most; produce high quality, delicious treats like our ice cream.

“The Best of Our Counties team is a great support to our business and does fantastic work for the region.”

Matt Fletcher, direct sourcing manager at Co-op Midcounties Food, said: “British Food Fortnight is the perfect opportunity for us to recognise the fantastic work that British producers do to help us to provide our customers with the best quality produce.

“In turn, it also allows us to reflect on the work we do with our local suppliers and celebrate the difference it makes to them and the wider community.

“It’s been brilliant to see our partnership with Spots Loggins grow and we’re proud to be able to support Worcestershire suppliers and independent businesses across the region, and nationwide.”