From championing more than 80 Norfolk makers to planting a tree with every online order, our sustainability approach is simple: shop local, act responsibly, and leave the world slightly better than we found it.
Sustainability & Ethics
Our commitment to Norfolk, our suppliers, and our planet.
At The Norfolk Deli, sustainability isn’t an add-on — it’s how we work, source, create and operate every single day. As an independent business rooted deeply in the Norfolk community, we believe that every decision we make should benefit local people, local producers, and the planet.
Our Norfolk-First Sourcing Ethos
We support the county that supports us.
- Over 80 independent Norfolk producers featured across our deli, cheese counter, Norfolk Hampers, and Norfolk’s Online Farmers Market.
- We prioritise shorter supply chains, reducing food miles and strengthening the local economy.
- We work only with producers who share our values: quality, transparency, and ethical production.
- Our Norfolk Hamper Pledge guarantees that every Norfolk Hamper contains 100% Norfolk-made products — not “inspired by Norfolk”, not “packed in Norfolk”: made in Norfolk.
Ethical Independent Retailing
We believe ethical retailing starts with how you treat people.
- Fair and respectful relationships with our suppliers, paying agreed rates on time.
- Supporting other independents by sourcing equipment, hardware and services from local businesses such as Foster/Gamko in King’s Lynn.
- Collaborating openly through local food networks, championing Norfolk talent and promoting small makers online and in-store.
- Transparent pricing, honest product descriptions, and a no-pressure shopping environment both online and in person.
Environmental Responsibility
Small independent business. Big environmental ambition.
Tree Planting with Every Online Order
Working with our reforestation partner, a tree is planted every time a customer places an online order — whether for a wedge of cheese, a Norfolk Hamper, or a bespoke A La Carte hamper.
This means:
Working with our reforestation partner, a tree is planted every time a customer places an online order — whether for a wedge of cheese, a Norfolk Hamper, or a bespoke A La Carte hamper.
This means:
- Reduced carbon footprint per order
- Tangible environmental impact
- Clear, measurable sustainability action from your purchase
Packaging that Protects the Planet
We constantly review and improve our packaging choices:
- Recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable packing materials wherever possible
- Paper tape over plastic tape
- Insulated chilled packaging that minimises waste
- Hamper boxes designed to be reused for gifts, storage, or home organisation
- Hazardous materials avoided wherever alternatives exist
Reducing Food Waste
As a deli, and online retailer, food waste reduction is central to how we operate.
We:
- Cut cheese to order, ensuring customers take exactly what they need
- Rotate stock meticulously
- Repurpose surplus into café dishes where safe and appropriate
- Donate suitable surplus to local causes when available
Ethical Cheese Retailing
We sell over 80+ cheeses with strict adherence to Environmental Health standards, focusing on:
- Proper storage temperatures
- Rigorous cleaning routines
- Separate boards & tools for specific categories
- Preventing cross-contamination between dairy types
- Full allergen transparency online and in-store
- Responsible advice to customers about cheese care, shelf life and food safety
Social Responsibility & Community Impact
Sustainability includes community.
We continue to:
- Run and support local events (including previously founding the West Norfolk Food & Drink Festival).
- Produce educational blogs and cheese guides, sharing knowledge freely.
- Mentor up-and-coming producers where possible.
- Feature Norfolk makers extensively online (blogs, videos, social content, and hamper curation).
- Celebrate Norfolk’s food culture at every opportunity.
The Norfolk Hamper Pledge
Our internal ethical commitment to full product transparency.
- If a hamper is called a Norfolk Hamper, it contains 100% Norfolk products — always.
- No mixed hampers. No shortcuts. No misleading branding.
- This is our guarantee to customers and our promise to our suppliers
You ask. We answer
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Norfolk Hampers fully Norfolk-made?
Yes. Every product in the Norfolk Hampers Collection is made in Norfolk. That’s our Norfolk Hamper Pledge.
Do you plant a tree for every order?
Yes — every online order results in a tree being planted through our reforestation partner.
What sustainability standards do your suppliers meet?
We work only with producers who follow strict hygiene, food safety and environmental practices, and who align with our values of honesty, quality and locality.
Is your packaging recyclable?
As much as possible, yes. Most packaging is recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable, and we avoid unnecessary plastics.
How do you reduce food waste?
Our cut-to-order cheese counter, careful stock rotation and repurposing of surplus into Items we make to help us maintain extremely low waste levels.
Are your hampers ethically sourced?
Yes. Items are sourced from independent Norfolk businesses or trusted British/European artisan producers who share our sustainability and ethical values.
