Ferry operator P&O Ferries has launched a local-sourcing initiative for produce used in its on-board restaurants.

The company has signed agreements with nine trade associations, including the English Beef and Lamb Executive, the British Potato Council and the Great English Apple Campaign, in its bid to source fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, pies, beer and cider from local British producers.

P&O Ferries, which has an in-house catering service, is also giving priority to producers located close to its home ports of Dover, Hull and Portsmouth to reduce the impact of carbon emissions from transportation. Suppliers in Kent include vegetable supplier CJ Bean & Sons and brewery Shepherd Neame, which are both located close to the ferry company's Dover base.

"Buying British isn't always easy to achieve for a company the size of P&O Ferries, because as well as demanding top quality the quantities we require can be huge," said Mark Frost, head of food and beverage. "But it's a very serious commitment and one we'll continue to develop."