Lodge Farm Kitchen grows with SALSA!


Lodge Farm Kitchen, a family based business located in the heart of Ross-on-Wye has been producing a range of quality frozen ready meals and desserts, including those with vegetarian and gluten-free recipes, since 2009. 

The enterprising founder and Director of LFK, Louisa Stout, launched her business producing just six frozen meals and six desserts. She was determined to produce nutritious, tasty meals with no preservatives or additives, and all prepared and cooked by hand using fresh ingredients.  The farm grows a wide range of vegetables and herbs, and they keep a herd of Dexter cattle, all of which were used in their launch range.  They started by supplying farm shops, delis and other independents but looked to gain SALSA approval in 2013 in order to supply the Massarella Group, leaders in the retail catering sector.

Louisa says, ‘We needed to get SALSA approval for a potential customer (Massarella) before we could supply them. Having achieved certification we found that SALSA suddenly opened many unexpected doors. It is now the first thing we tell a potential new customer as we find it makes them listen!’

Having joined SALSA in May 2013, they used the range of membership resources available to them, and prepared for their first audit in August of the same year. They went through with flying colours and were quickly approved in September and have maintained their approval status ever since.  Louisa adds, ‘I worked through all the SALSA guidance documents and Tools & Tips; they are easy to understand and as long as you are patient, implementing the Standard is very achievable.’  She continues, ‘Our auditor was very supportive and offered exceptionally good advice which has made a big difference to the running of our business.’

Today, Lodge Farm Kitchen’s range comprises 27 main meals, 6 desserts and a selection of frozen soups. To support this growth the Company has just moved into a new purpose-built facility.  Jesse Norman MP, Hereford & South Herefordshire was on hand to conduct the official opening and praised the company for their progression and success, Commending a local, growing business, entrepreneurship and above all quality locally produced food.’

Currently Lodge Farm Kitchen supply high quality farm shops and delis, Abel and Cole, cook for Massarella Catering Group, feature on QVC shopping channel. They even do ‘At Home’ deliveries!  The business employs four people on a full-time basis and a number of part-timers who help with portioning and packing, with plans to take on another four people during the course of 2015.

For more information about Lodge Farm Kitchen please see the SALSA Directory or visit the website: http://www.lodgefarmkitchen.com/