Artisan bakery chain Gail’s is celebrating its Craft Community, a network of farmers, growers and producers whose long-term partnerships have supported the development of more than 50 products over the past 18 months.

The community is also designed to help to reduce waste and strengthen local food economies across the UK.

The bakery business said around 15p in every £1 spent at Gail’s is now invested through businesses that form part of the Craft Community. Gail’s said this reflects its focus on responsible sourcing, product innovation and support for specialist suppliers.

Through the network, Gail’s has developed more than 50 new products and worked with partners to put surplus ingredients to use. This includes utilising more than 2,000 tonnes of surplus and imperfect fruit and vegetables through partnerships including Daily Dose, as well as saving 11 tonnes of cheese offcuts from entering waste streams.

The company has also supported the Natoora Farm Fund and raised almost £15,000 for charity through collaborations with supplier partners. Gail’s said the figures demonstrate how its growth can contribute to wider environmental and social impact across the food supply chain.

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While supply chains are often measured by efficiency and cost, Gail’s said the Craft Community has been built around long-term relationships with producers that share its commitment to quality, craftsmanship and stewardship of the land. The network spans regenerative farms, family-run dairies, independent drinks makers and artisan producers.

Roy Levy, creative director at Gail’s, said: “The Craft Community is proof that growth can create value beyond our own bakeries. Every partnership is built on a shared belief that better food starts with the people who grow, make and care for it.

“By investing in long-term relationships rather than simply buying ingredients, we’re helping create new products, reducing waste and supporting producers who are shaping the future of British food. As Gail’s grows, we want our impact on the food system to grow with it.”

The Craft Community forms part of Gail’s wider ambition to improve the food system through better ingredients, traceable supply chains, support for regenerative farming and a commitment to reducing unnecessary waste.

As the bakery continues to expand, Gail’s said these relationships will become increasingly important in shaping the future of British food, with the Craft Community intended to show how scale can support exceptional producers, strengthen local food economies and help build a more resilient food system.