About Hembridge Organics

I initially began Hembridge Organics from home as an internet box scheme supplying local customers with organic vegetables grown in Somerset, sourcing vegetables from five organic producers. I soon realised that the farmers would grow the same fruit and vegetables as each other resulting in a “glut” for the county. Fruit and vegetables that were either too large or too ripe to fill veg boxes were discarded. Hating waste, I realised that this produce was ideal for making chutneys and jams. At least the growers would get something for their efforts.

Whilst we seem to have a plethora of jam and chutney producers in Somerset nobody seemed to be producing organic, local preserves. Having a background in retail but not a natural cook I turned to my other half for help, after all he had always made his own cider, beer and mead surely making jams and chutneys was not that much different? Well maybe. After much alchemy, tweaking tastings, tears and tantrums Hembridge Organics now boasts 9 delicious flavours. We have gone on to win national food awards and have since given up the box scheme to concentrate on our ever growing preserves business.

We only use soil association certificated produce in our preserves. We do not use commercial pectin or any other additives just using organic sugar as a setting aid. Local organic cider vinegar is used in our savoury range making our whole range gluten free *(excluding alehouse chutney) and vegan friendly. We don’t believe in importing produce that is readily available on our doorstep. To that end we only import organic oranges for our marmalade.

Awards:

We have gone on to win national awards with the Soil Association in 2017 for our Plum and Brandy, 2019 overall category winner for our Raspberry Jam and a Great Taste Award for our Ale House Chutney. Not bad for ingredients made from produce that nobody wants!