Sussex Six Food & Drink Campaign Launched in Lewes District
Leading lights in the Lewes District food and drink industry came together at Middle Farm in West Firle on 22 June 2026 to launch the Sussex Six Campaign in the district, urging people to eat and buy local produce.
"We are delighted to support the Sussex Six Campaign in Lewes District," said Cllr Emily O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature & Food Systems at Lewes District Council. "With global uncertainty, our food and drink sector becomes an ever more vital part of our local economy and community. It is more sustainable to buy locally and we want to support these businesses."
"We encourage more businesses to sign the pledge to serve and sell more local produce, and urge local residents to support these businesses," continued Cllr O'Brien. "It's good for our local communities and it's good for the environment."
A new Lewes Food & Drink Directory listing businesses which make, serve and sell local produce was launched online at Sussexfoodandrink.org. It also has a Sussex-wide directory with over 700 businesses listed and displayed on the home page map.
190 shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes across Sussex have made the Sussex Six pledge to take on at least six more Sussex food and drink products, to boost local business, support the local community and reduce food miles.
The Sussex Six Campaign is run by Natural Partnerships, a Sussex community interest company which specialises in local food, drink and farming projects. Launched in Horsham in 2023, the campaign has been rolled out in Chichester, Mid Sussex, Wealden and Rother districts and now Lewes, with support from the district councils in those areas.
"We want to encourage more businesses to sign the pledge to serve and sell more local produce and urge members of the local community to buy local and support these businesses," continued Cllr O'Brien. "It's good for our local community and it's good for the environment."
Local Lewes district producers including Sourdough by the Sea, Mamoosh bakery, Old Tree Brewery, Generation Distillers, Harley House Distillery, Beak Brewery and wine makers Everflyht and Newick Wine Estate were at the event offering delicious tasters to potential buyers and guests.
Philippa Vine, Arlington-based food writer and cookery tutor, signed her new cookbook, Summer, written and photographed at Beatons, her farm in East Sussex, inspired by seasonal, British-grown ingredients and the wonderful artisan food producers of the region.
Businesses wishing to get involved can also find out more at the Sussex Six pages at Sussexfoodanddrink.org.
"Sixty-three percent of people say they support businesses who sell or serve local products, but it's hard for them to know who is genuinely doing this. The best way for them to know is for businesses to tell them," said Hilary Knight from Natural Partnerships CIC.
"We urge local hospitality and retail businesses to highlight your suppliers on your shelves, on your menus, on your newsletters, website, and social media.
Name that wonderful Sussex cheese producer who works night and day to create something unique and tasty. Tell them about that farmer who rears your succulent lamb only five miles away. Name that beer from the brewery down the road which you use in your beer batter or pies. Flag the bakers who make your bread, the dairy that makes your butter. List the delicious Sussex wine that's on your menu - some of the best in the world. Use your selling point, by telling people you are supporting your local food and drink producers. In no time, you could find some of your top selling products and dishes are Sussex made, and your customer loyalty could grow and grow!"
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