Spice 'n' easy
When did you set up Spice n Easy?
I set up Spice ‘n’ Easy 9 years ago after returning to the UK. I had spent 2 years living and travelling in Malaysia and the Far East. My children where starting school and I wanted to find work which fitted around the family. When our local farm opened a farm shop they asked me to make chutneys for the shop. I started with just three varieties and now I produce 30 plus lines.
Tell us about your products/services
Spice ‘n’ Easy produce is made using New Forest grown raw ingredients where ever possible. The unique flavours are produced using local and seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables along with herbs and spices from around the world. The produce is handmade and cooked in small batches using traditional recipes adapted and tweaked to give a distinctively spiced finished product. Exotic flavours fresh from the New Forest.
I supply farm shops delicatessen and independent food retailers along with cafes, hotels, B&B’s and pubs.
What’s your best sellers?
My all time best seller is my Spiced Carrot & Pumpkin Chutney which is flavoured with Coriander and Star Anise. This is really good with cold meat and cheese and makes a delicious ingredient when added to a Coronation Chicken Mix. Also included in my top 5 best sellers are Onion Marmalade, Chilli Jam, Honey and Mustard Salad Dressing and Hot Apple Chutney with Ginger and Coriander.
What awards have you won?
This year - 2011 - I have won two Great Taste Awards for my Spiced Carrot & Pumpkin Chutney and my Sweet Onion Marmalade. I am really proud of this because this is a National Competition and is judged by a panel of individuals who “blind taste” the entries.
Where can we buy Spice n Easy?
Spice ‘n’ Easy produce is available in local farm shops, and independent food retailers there is a full list of stockists on my website www.spiceneasy.co.uk included in this list is Setley Ridge Farm Shop and Beaulieu Organic Farm Shop who are fellow New Forest Marque Members. I also sell direct at local fairs and events such as the New Forest Show and events in the run up to Christmas for full details see my website. I am always on the lookout for new stockists and outlets for my produce.
When and why did you join the Marque?
I joined the Marque in 2008 as I wanted to join in the movement to promote our wonderful local produce. I am passionate about using local and seasonal food. I suspect it will come as a surprise to many people that you can get New Forest grown Kiwi fruit which I make into a delicious Kiwi fruit Chutney!! I always sell out..
Any exciting plans for 2012?
Until now I have restricted the area I cover to within the New Forest or 30 miles from home. Now I am looking to expand the business and I am looking for new customers throughout Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. I also have an exciting range of gift packs which start from as little as £4.50 and these have proved popular with the B&B and Holiday Let customers. I am working with my existing customers to promote produce from the New Forest and looking for ways to increase awareness of just how much excellent food is available on our doorstep.
I am also involved with NFPO who provides a marketing and eco-delivery service. I would love to see more farm shops in our area focussing on locally produced food which would be an attraction to visitors and locals alike.