Celebrate Local: Your New Forest Marque Festive Food Guide

You don’t have to go far in the New Forest to find everything you need for a rich and satisfying festive period. We have some fantastic local producers and suppliers on our doorstep that guarantee high-quality and truly local produce – just look for our distinctive New Forest Marque logo.

As we make a conscious effort away from mindless consumerism and move towards protecting the environment and reducing waste, buying local food and drink is a great place to start. Not only is it better for the planet, but when food has travelled less miles it’s fresher, tastier and more nutritious. Plus did we mention that independent shops are treasure troves for individual and artisan gifts?

It’s also important not to overlook the importance of supporting the local economy and the small-scale producers who have farmed the land the same way for centuries. The New Forest is a unique place with so much to offer. When you buy local, you support the traditional ways of farmers and commoners closely linked to the special landscape of the National Park. Produce featuring the New Forest Marque logo is guaranteed to have been grown, reared, brewed, produced or processed right here in the New Forest.

Marque food and drink

Marque members offer venison, beef, pork, turkey, goose and duck, as well as other local meat and charcuterie. You can buy direct from many businesses, such as Paul Tanner’s Great Oaks Farm, or from one of the many Marque retailers who support our local producers.

Award-winning cheeses, fish and locally-grown seasonal fruit and vegetables are among the many delicious local options available. Check out Marque bakers and cakemakers such as Spout House Cakes for your Christmas cake and Dotty Biscotti for artisan biscuits, or make your own with Marque-stamped eggs, flour, jams, honeys and more.

When stocking up your drinks cabinet, you’re spoilt for choice with fantastic local wine, gin, beer, cider and soft drinks. You can even make your Christmas cosy with firewood from sustainable sources, and opt for locally-grown trees, and plants.

Alternative Marque gifts

If you’re looking for climate-friendly gift ideas, how about giving a plant or wildlife friendly birdbox from Setley Ridge Garden Centre, Shallowmead Nurseries or Stewarts Garden Centre.

Many Marque members offer unique experiences which are a good alternative to physical presents. Buy a beekeeping experience with The Noble Bee or Jazz Bee Honey, a marmalade masterclass with Naked Jam, or gin tasting at New Forest Spirits.