Waitrose and the Taste of Cornwall are to develop a local food hall and shopping complex.
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Waitrose is hoping to gain from the growing interest in locally produced food, proposing a 50,000 sq ft Cornish Food Hall to be built near Falmouth. In a move that promotes positive supplier and retailer relations, numerous parties stand to benefit from this innovative concept.
A full planning application for Waitrose’s Cornish Food Hall will be submitted in early autumn after a public consultation with local Cornish residents. Providing the scheme receives consent, plans are underway for a 2005 opening. It is hoped that the hall will attract 25,000 visitors a week.
The project has won support from Objective One funding, which could provide up to 40% of the cost of developing the half to be used for selling Cornish food and drink. The supermarket chain will bear the entire cost of building its half of the Cornish Food Hall.
Waitrose appears to be capitalising on a growing consumer interest in specialty, locally produced foods. Cornwall would seem a good location choice given its growing establishment on the gastronomic map, something largely driven by the region’s unofficial ambassador Rick Stein. In recent years a rich culinary tradition has been established in Cornwall by a new breed of producers and restauranteurs, taking advantage of the high quality produce that is available, thanks to the mild climate and clean waters of the region.
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By GlobalDataFurthermore, the move marks a route for Waitrose to increase its relatively small presence in the South West of England and strengthen its association with quality food as the hall becomes a center of excellence in the region.
The site will include a demonstration farm, showing visitors how food is produced as well as providing consumers with informational guidance on sustainable food purchasing. From a commercial perspective, it will provide local consumers with direct access to the county’s best local produce – as well as showcasing it to national buyers. The site may include a test kitchen, and a trade hall where local farmers will meet buyers and advisors. Such an approach is likely to promote strong supplier relationships and bring more quality and choice to consumers, both locally and nationally.
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