‘Poppy Box’ potato sales set to raise thousands for armed forces community
We’re proud to announce we have partnered with one of our British growers on an innovative plan to raise at least £10,000 for the annual Poppy Appeal, which starts this month.
Together with Suffolk-based potato growers Three Musketeers Ltd, Nationwide Produce PLC will donate 50p to The Royal British Legion from every box of Mint salad potatoes we sell throughout the three-week appeal.
“Edward Blanchard from Three Musketeers Ltd visited Ypres last year and I have also toured the battlefields and cemeteries of the Great War,” says Tim O’Malley, our Group Managing Director.
“We were both moved by these experiences and wanted to do something to help raise funds for The Royal British Legion. The charity relies on public generosity so it can continue to provide lifelong support for the armed forces community – serving men, women, veterans and their families.
‘We hit on the idea of replacing the iconic mint leaf on our popular Mint salad potatoes packaging with a poppy, and donating money from every ‘Poppy Box’ sale to the appeal. This is a unique opportunity for buyers to support the Poppy Appeal while also backing British farming.”
The ‘Poppy Boxes’ will be on sale as of Wednesday 21 October until 11 November, and can be purchased from leading wholesale and food-service companies throughout the country.
Edward adds: “Three Musketeers Ltd are proud to work with Nationwide Produce PLC on this charitable project. Our moment of inspiration has turned into a really simple way that anyone can contribute to an appeal that means so much to both of our businesses. It is a great honour to help remember those that shouldn’t be forgotten.
‘Chefs and buyers throughout the country, you can help us to raise some much-needed funds. Simply buy a product you already enjoy or swap from your usual supply and order a ‘Poppy Box’ of our Mint salad potatoes for the first time!”
Mark Poynton, Chef and Owner of the Michelin-starred Alimentum restaurant in Cambridge, is championing the ‘Poppy Box’ project on behalf of the restaurateur community. “I’m delighted to lend my support,” he says. “I look forward to experimenting with this quality British produce in my kitchen, and I encourage others to do the same in aid of the Poppy Appeal.”
This year, as the country continues to mark the centenary of the First World War, The Royal British Legion is asking everyone to support the Poppy Appeal between 22 October and 11 November for the memory of the fallen and the future of the living.
Money raised through the Poppy Appeal goes directly to the charity’s welfare work, providing through-life care to anyone who currently serves in the British Armed Forces, who has previously served, and their families.