A SUPERMARKET giant has launched a search to find the best local produce to sell at its new store in Pershore.

Asda is looking for new local products to put on its shelves as part of its scheme which currently sees it stock more than 6,000 local products at its stores across the country.

Asda uses its award-winning single point ‘hub’ distribution system which guides local suppliers through the accreditation process and saves them costs on distribution.

This, Asda says, makes it much more accessible to local producers and helps reduce the number of food miles local produce travels to the supermarket’s stores.

Mark Wainwright, manager of Asda, off Pershore High Street, said: “If you’re a local supplier in Pershore and you think you have a product our customers will enjoy, we want to hear from you.

“Our local distribution hub Taylors will be able to discuss your product with you and guide you through the process of working with Asda. To find out more, please leave your contact details at our Pershore store. We look forward to hearing from you.”

Potential local suppliers need to show evidence of consumer demand locally, meet minimum technical and food safety standards, make sure the product has a barcode which Asda will help set up, and ensure suppliers have a fax machine to receive orders.

Mr Wainwright added: “Asda has been working with local suppliers every year since our unique hub system started in 2002.

“We have invested over £80,000 into researching what our customers want from their local products and it has meant that we are now able to focus on the relevance of local produce in each store, so we know that products will be where they are most in demand.

“This helps cut costs for local suppliers and in turn helps keep local produce at competitive prices, in line with Asda’s saving you money every day philosophy.”