Hampshire farm shops are reporting record-breaking footfall amid supermarket challenges, 77 Januaries on from the opening of the UK's first supermarket.

The British public has experienced supermarket shopping frustrations due to supply chain disruptions, driving many to turn away from supermarkets and return to the reliability of local farm shops.

While many mainstream supermarkets faced egg shortages in 2024 due to a global outbreak of bird flu, Westlands Farm Shop's egg stock remained intact due to partnerships with local suppliers in Claytons Eggs in Romsey and Vale Farm Eggs in Winchester.

Westlands Farm Shop welcomed more than 7,000 customers to its store in December 2024 on Winchester High Street - selling more than 500 loaves of freshly baked bread, 400 boxes of free-range eggs and 300 locally sourced steaks.

Westlands Farm Shop also sold a record-breaking 5000 pigs in blankets before Christmas.

Graham Collett, owner of Westlands Farm Shop, said: "Supermarkets, which once promised convenience, have proven to be increasingly unreliable in recent years.

"More and more people are turning to local farm shops like ours, not only for the dependable availability of fresh produce and high-quality goods but also to support sustainable, local farming practices.

"While supermarkets rely on importing soft fruits from overseas, we're proud to use recycled rainwater to irrigate our crop, producing delicious strawberries and raspberries every season. 

"We are proud to offer diverse and quality produce, with highlights such as British free-range meats, daily-baked bread, and freshly harvested fruits and vegetables sourced within a 40-mile radius. "