In a change from our normal producer spotlights we are looking into one of our wholesale suppliers. The Fine Food Forager has been supplying us with hand picked tasty foods since December 2023. This is very helpful to Get Loose as their values match ours, and we have one supplier to deal with rather than six.

Team member Justine quizzed The Fine Food Forager, Vincent, about his company.

How did you end up starting The Fine Food Forager?

I have always been passionate about fine food, a love that was ignited by my family, particularly my grand uncle, who introduced me to the amazing flavours and quality of ingredients and cuisine from the French countryside when I was a child.

This passion grew stronger as I worked in the chocolate and food industries in Paris and Japan during my studies, where I fell in love with that world.

However, when I finished my studies and started to work, I lost my way in the corporate tech world for several years, but thanks to my partner Wensy, I eventually realised that my true calling was in food. That's when I decided to leave the corporate world behind and start The Fine Food Forager,(2015) allowing me to reconnect with my passion and share it with others.

I couldn't have done it without my partner, Wensy, who helped set up the business and joined the events at the start.

Even now, while she works elsewhere full-time, she still taste-tests every sample, ensuring that Fine Food Forager stays true to its roots.

What were your first foods on offer?

French food and speciality foods from Normandy, my native region.

Apple vinegars, non alcoholic apple sparkling drinks, jams, Organic herbal teas, biscuits and wines.

Why did you decide to focus on sustainable / ethically produced foods?

We are focusing on sustainable and ethically produced foods because we believe that we all have a responsibility to uphold moral values, sustainability, and ethics within our own industries. We support independent producers and champion foods that have a story, from small-batch makers to those who prioritize their environmental and social impact. We implement as much as possible the 3Ps (Triple Bottom Line) by carefully selecting producers who align with our values, encouraging closed-loop and low-impact packaging, and promoting transparency in every part of the supply chain.

We use an electric van for deliveries to minimize our carbon footprint and prioritise finding small, local producers to help build a strong local artisan community. Provenance, quality, and artisan values are just as important to us as how a product is made, which is why we make it our mission to connect people with foods that reflect our commitment to sustainability and ethical production.

Do you pay the team the London Living Wage (in principle or certified)?

Yes. (in principle)

Where in London are you based?

We are based in South East London, near Brockley, and our shared warehouse, where all our products are stored, is in Twickenham.

Which is your favourite / best selling product?

Difficult question as there are so many different yummy foods made by our suppliers.

I would say at the moment that my favourite and also our best selling product is our Organic maple syrup that we import directly from the maple farm in Quebec.

The quality is exceptional and the fact the farm is also so focused on sustainability is perfect for us.

The usage is so versatile, not only limited to pouring on pancakes, amazing for marinades, cocktails, ice cream and sauces.

Our second favourite at the moment is the most recent addition to our catalogue, the vegan spreads Nettle, especially the sumac chilli mint spread, so so nice with a glass of red wine and simply spread on bread.

What we stock

As of September 2024 we are stocking the following items

Nettle Nut Ferments
Kimchi (loose)
Maple Syrup
Dried Mushrooms
Pearly Queen Honey
Honest Toil Olive Oil

Check them out next time you are in store. Speak to staff if you have any questions.