Pork producer turned retailer

- Published: 16 June, 2006

Shropshire-based pork producer Buttercross Farm Foods has now set up to supply the public direct.

Shropshire-based pork producer Buttercross Farm Foods, which supplies free-range pork, bacon, sausages and hams to farm shops, delicatessens, butchers and hotels, has now set up to supply the public direct. The business opened its shop and butchery counter this week at Shifford Grange Farm in Market Drayton.

Buttercross is a member of Heart of England Fine Foods, which was set up in 1998 to promote food and drink from the West Midlands. Lynn Wood, HEFF marketing executive for Shropshire said: "Customers will be able to taste and buy a wide selection of outstanding Heart of England produce which just cannot be found in the supermarkets."

As well as the farm's pork, the shop will stock local lamb, chicken and beef - mainly sourced from other HEFF members. It will be run by Martin and Helen Rowley and Ian and Carol Critchley. Helen Rowley said: "We have enjoyed great success in the last 12 months, winning four Great Taste Awards, obtaining a listing in the Les Routiers guide and then being runners up in the Deliciously Shropshire Producer of the Year Awards - the shop opening is really the icing on the cake."

The shop will be open Wednesday to Saturday, 9.30 to 6.00 and on Sundays 10.30 to 3.30.