London Gatwick Boosts Local Economy by Joining Sussex Six Campaign

London Gatwick partners with Natural Partnerships CIC’s Sussex Six Campaign to feature local produce across the airport, enhancing support for Sussex's local food and drink producers.

London Gatwick has announced its collaboration with Natural Partnerships CIC's Sussex Six Campaign, a significant move aimed at supporting the local economy by increasing the presence of local produce in its retail and dining outlets. This initiative aligns with Gatwick's commitment to promoting regional products and supporting local businesses.

The campaign kick-started with the introduction of four Ridgeview wines, now available to passengers at World Duty Free stores within the airport. Ridgeview, a vineyard near Burgess Hill in Mid Sussex, also features its products in two of Gatwick’s premium bars, Vagabond and South Downs. This retail opportunity is enhanced by the ability for passengers to sample these wines before purchasing, adding a unique interactive element to their shopping experience.

Richard Lennard, Economic Partnerships Manager at London Gatwick, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "We are delighted to join this exciting campaign to support the local Sussex economy, by enhancing our supply chain with more local food and drink producers at London Gatwick. It's essential for us to support the Sussex community, and we're pleased to introduce our passengers to the region's exceptional local produce."

The Sussex Six Campaign is supported by Horsham District Council and funded by the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with over 50 local entities like shops, restaurants, and cafes committing to adopt at least six local products. The inclusion of Gatwick Airport in this initiative provides a substantial platform for these products to gain international exposure.

Cllr Ruth Fletcher of Horsham District Council highlighted the benefits of this partnership, stating, “London Gatwick joining the Sussex Campaign offers a fantastic opportunity for local food and drink producers to reach the vast audience that passes through the airport. This partnership is a pivotal step in showcasing our superb Sussex food and drink to an international audience.”

Mardi Roberts, Director of Communications at Ridgeview, also noted the strategic importance of Gatwick in promoting local tourism and products: “London Gatwick is Sussex’s gateway to the world. Their support has been crucial for Sussex Wine Tourism and they are champions for our visitor economy. We are thrilled that our Ridgeview sparkling wine will now accompany holidaymakers on their travels, spreading the word about the quality of our Sussex produce.”

As London Gatwick continues to support local initiatives and invest in its infrastructure, such as the proposal to bring its Northern Runway into routine use, the airport is set to play an increasingly vital role in enhancing regional economic growth and promoting sustainable tourism.