Focus on our suppliers: Kale & Damson

Welcome to the first in our series of behind-the-scenes insights, where we celebrate the local food suppliers we work with.

Who are Kale & Damson?

The founders of Kale & Damson started their wholesale food supply business on Regent Street in Cambridge nearly 40 years ago, supplying local companies with quality fresh produce. Their mission is to be the trusted supplier of fruit, vegetables, dairy and specialty goods to the catering and hospitality industry, putting service and quality at the forefront of everything they do.

Today they champion exceptional quality food from passionate growers and producers, and serve premium establishments. Based in Papworth Everard, Cambridgeshire, 21 miles from Hinxton, they distribute to Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and beyond.

What do they supply Hinxton Hall Conference Centre with?

Fruit, vegetables, cheese, and dairy.

Where do they source their products from?

Fortunately we live in one of the best regions in the country for growing fruit and vegetables, which means much of their produce is locally sourced. Here are some examples of fruit and vegetables they supply from across Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, including some unexpected specimens!

• Lincolnshire: Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, curly kale, cavolo nero and herbs.
• Cambridgeshire: Celery, salad heads, potatoes, asparagus, apples and pears.
• Bedfordshire: Chilies, tomatoes, cabbage and oriental vegetables, such as Pak Choi.

They source produce from abroad when the quality cannot be matched in the UK, such as fruit and vegetables that need lots of sun, olives, charcuteries, and cheeses.

What’s their approach to sustainability?

Kale & Damson sets high standards to ensure that all business is conducted ethically, working with suppliers who share their business and sustainability values.
They are committed to minimising their environmental impact and respecting the communities they serve, ensuring the business practices they adopt today will not harm future generations.

Key areas they focus on:

• Sourcing responsibly and locally, whenever possible
• Always looking to minimising road miles
• Reducing food waste (which was only at 0.6% in 2023) with technology and partnerships with charities to divert suitable food waste
• Recycling and reusing packaging
• Continually improving their fleet of vehicles to reduce environmental impact
• Frequent servicing of their fridge plant to maintain efficiency, and door controls for temperature protection.

Why do we like them?

They source produce as locally as possible, championing local growers and building strong relationships with eco-conscious farmers. They have the personalised ethos of a small, customer-focused business. And they supply excellent quality produce!

For more information about Kale & Damson, visit the Kale & Damson website.