The Naked Pantry wins Brilliance in Business Award

The Naked Pantry wins Brilliance in Business Award

The Naked Pantry and Naked Quench in New Milton has been announced as providing the best Environmental Contribution to the New Forest National Park.

The zero-waste and plastic-free grocery and coffee shop beat off stiff competition from other finalists at the  New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards ceremony last week.

As part of the New Forest Business Partnership Brilliance in Business Awards, the New Forest National Park Authority sponsors the award for best environmental contribution to the National Park.

The Naked Pantry on Station Road offers a large range of locally and ethically-sourced food, beauty and household products. It’s also a plastic-free retailer and encourages customers to bring containers in when they shop.

In the adjoining premises, Naked Quench offers zero-waste drinks, snacks and light lunches, as well as a community space for get-togethers, classes and craft groups. Fresh products are sourced from local chefs and bakers and loose leaf teas made by local artisans.

Cottage Lodge Hotel in Brockenhurst was also a finalist. The small family-run hotel prides itself on its eco-friendly initiatives to improve its carbon footprint, including sourcing food from local suppliers and using plastic-free services.

Another nominated for the award was Welcome Stores in Brockenhurst. The family-owned business offers refill stations, local produce, alternatives to plastic packaging, and free water refills.

Kathy Sirl, owner of the Naked Pantry and Naked Quench said: ‘We’re incredibly grateful and humbled by the amazing support we receive from our community and fellow businesses. We’re so pleased that people recognise our efforts to help protect our environment and we will continue to work hard to help others do their bit. Everyone can take small steps to make a big a difference.’

New Forest National Park Authority member Alexis McEvoy presented the Environmental Contribution award on the evening. She said: ‘Climate change and its effects are the greatest long-term challenge for the National Park. Unless addressed they will have significant detrimental effects for our wildlife, local livelihoods and human health.

‘Environmental credentials have come to the fore, and it’s great to see local businesses taking green measures to help protect the New Forest National Park and wider environment. Congratulations to our deserving finalists.’

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