Raw blood black pudding and Damson Jelly...? Manchester encouraged to rediscover 'forgotten foods'

By Sean-Paul Doran

Renowned food institution Booths say Mancunians are rediscovering Forgotten Foods and standing up for the best of British produce.

Booths are fighting for food heritage and drew up a list of Forgotten Foods to stock across their 29 UK stores, including their MediaCityUK branch.

Damson jelly, raw blood black pudding, Formby asparagus and Morecombe Bay potted shrimps are among the delights that are flying off the shelves as hungry Brits rediscover the once-endangered foods.

Booths’ MediaCityUK branch opened in October 2011 and manager Richard Ford says Mancunians have embraced the initiative, claiming there is still an appetite for local produce.

He said: “The Forgotten Foods products have been a real talking point in the store. They give us a chance to tell the story behind our food, who produces it and how it’s made.

“Trading next to the BBC buildings also gives the Booths brand some recognition outside the region.

“I’ve lost count at how many times a London based BBC employee says, when can you open a branch in the south? They’re astonished at the range, choice and quality of what we sell.”

Mr Ford credits the success of the initiative to Manchester being blessed with having an abundance of quality local producers and emphasised the range of products in the MediaCityUK branch.

“There’s something great about being a Northern based retailer, I think Booths as a business is closer to their producers and their customers,” he said.

“Regional foods and campaigns like the Forgotten Foods programme underscore the fact we’re not like other supermarkets.

“What you find at Booths is a great range of excellent products made by people who really take pride in what they produce.”

Booths created the Forgotten Food campaign in partnership with Slow Food, a global movement celebrating cultural traditions and food heritage with 100,000 members across 150 countries.

Slow Food began in Italy in 1989 as founder Carlo Petrini wanted to defend good food from modern changes in food consumption and to encourage people to relax and enjoy their food.

“Slow Food was founded as a rebellion against fast food and fast culture,” said CEO Catherine Gazzoli.

“The movement stands for many key issues like defending edible biodiversity, the right to pleasure when we eat, and taste education.”

Full details of the range can be found on http://www.booths.co.uk/forgotten-foods