Anila’s Authentic Sauces

…Tony Green reports on a government-funded plan to encourage the growth of regional produce.

17.09.2003 / News & Mail

FOOD lovers and producers in surrey can take advantage of a special service supporting independent producers throughout the region.

A taste of the south east is one of a number of government-funded non-profit-making organizations established to encourage the development and growth of regional food and drink producers.

So far, the organization promotes 160 food producers around Surrey and East and West Sussex.

This year, A Taste of the South East has made an appearance at the surrey county show and more recently at the Grow Show at Sandown Park. Independent food producers in the area have taken advantage of the service they offer.

Members include Anila vaghela, the Walton woman whose curry sauces have created have created a sensation, and Michaela Edge, who makes the celebration Norbury Blue cheese.

Anila told Food & Drink that the organization helped her establish her business a great deal better than organizations without any link to food producers.

“It’s good to be member of something or other,” she said. “Approaching shops to ask them to stock my sauces when I told them that I was member, I think it lent me some credibility. Also there is a whole directory of members and farm shops so we are all one family, if you like. They do have some things such as courses in food hygiene and how to set up your own stall at farmers’ markets,” she said.

With the help of A Taste of the South East Anila’s sauces are now on sale at a growin number of convenience stores and delicatessens.

“Of course, they do the food shows as well. They do keep in touch and tell you about the various shows being held. All the members are there selling their products. That’s the best part when we all know what problems we have as producers so there’s a lot of interaction.”

The organisation helps small concerns such as Anila’s with discounts on labeling and bar coding.

“If you went somewhere else it would be more expensive,” she said. A new venture that A Taste of the South East has become involved in is the organisation’s website, which lists each member and what they do. “I don’t have my own website so it is like a little shop,” said Anila. “People find me through A Taste of the South East. It’s a good way when you are getting started. I didn’t know who to go to,” she said. “We are all one-person businesses so we can give each other support.”

In another way of Supporting and promoting local producers, the organisation’s website sells gift hampers containing various foodstuffs produced independently throughout the region.

Prices start from $20 for a small hamper for children, which include Sussex runny honey and even comes with a small teddy.

A large hamper contains a feast of South East products, including a smoked meat platter, costing $85.

Another initiative promoted by A Taste of the South East is the tasties consumer Club, which produces a quarterly magazine for people with an interest in locally-produced food. Club members get discounts on books and recipes and receive regular information on food fairs throughout the South East.

For more information about A Taste of the South East call 01798 874250 or visit their website.