Local food producer Bookham Fine Foods is gearing up for a surge in demand as Delia Smith’s latest book hits the shelves for the festive season.
‘Delia’s Happy Christmas’ is the long awaited sequel to ‘Delia Smith’s Christmas’, first published over 20 years ago. In her new book, Delia champions 18 Fine Food suppliers, including Sussex based, family run Bookham Fine Foods.
MD Rob Bookham says “We are delighted to be recognised by a culinary giant as well respected as Delia. Getting her seal of approval is a real honour. 2009 has already been an amazing year for us – we became suppliers to the National Trust and Waitrose and were also featured on BBC 2’s Hairy Bikers – but this is the icing on the cake. We have taken on more staff and ordered new vans in order to keep pace with the extra demand that this endorsement will bring.”
Another company to be championed by Delia is Kelly’s Turkey Farms. Managing director Paul Kelly said “When Delia mentions you it has a massive impact, her last Christmas Book put us on the map 20 years ago. We were a struggling family firm until then. When Delia said we were credible, everyone believed it.”
‘Delia’s Happy Christmas’ is set to be a top seller; it is described as the once-and-for-all definitive guide to preparing meals for the festive season, containing a mixture of old favourites and new recipes.
Bookham’s product range includes a Vegetarian version of Parmesan called ‘Not Just a Pasta Cheese’, formerly known as Twineham Grange. Their other cheese is Sussex Charmer, a Cheddar Parmesan cross, the result of a joint venture with R.Harrisons & Sons, dairy farmers from Rudgwick in West Sussex. In its very first season, Sussex Charmer won Best New Dairy Product 2008 at Nantwich, the world’s largest cheese awards. Their South Downs Butter has won Gold at The Great Taste Awards for a record breaking 5 years in a row and is likely to be on the shelves of Harrods within weeks.
Bookham’s are also well known for their range of Fresh/Dried Pasta and Pasta Sauces, traditionally made using simple and natural ingredients. They are long term supporters of Farmers’ Markets and are committed to working with other producers to help sustain British Farming. Their products can be found at Farmers’ Markets, delis and farm shops, as well as in selected stores of Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Budgens and Coop. Mail order available at bookhams.com.