ETHICAL/ECO: the green-spirited foodie

Rose Grimond, Orkney Rose

Most supermarkets are unlikely to stock honey from bees fed on wild clover and heather, or meat from wild sheep which survive on a seaweed diet. But it’s this sort of produce that Rose Grimond, 30, imports from the Orkney Islands. Her company, Orkney Rose, sources only from small independent (often family-run) businesses and brings the produce to the South East of England. Any of us can order from her website, but her customers tend to be London restaurants, which buy in bulk.‘

The products I sell have to be sustainable, and I want to represent farmers in need of support,’ says Grimond. ‘It’s hugely satisfying to be able to supply them with a living.’

Grimond’s ethical principles are key to her success. ‘They definitely give me a business advantage,’ she says. ‘The food business is often about credibility. My producers know I’m behind them, and my customers trust me.’

Next up, is Grimond’s first shop, which will be opening next year in Nettlebed, Oxfordshire. ‘It will be the village high street under one roof,’ she says. ‘I’ll sell Orkney Rose products, stuff from local suppliers and a few staples. I’m definitely following my passion, there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.’ orkneyrose.com

What the judges said:
Safia Minney: ‘Rose doesn’t just have environmentally friendly products, she’s also encouraging rural development and livelihood regeneration – creating employment and making sure our food generates positive social impact.’

Amanda Ross: ‘Anyone who’s trying to make ethical food more available is a hero to me. What’s amazing about Rose is that not only has she done that by enabling producers to stay living in the place they come from, she’s helping other people to live their dream.’