1. Alice Temperley and the Somerset Cider Brandy Company
Julian and Diana Temperley take their 'cider bus' to the Glastonbury festival every year, touting their apple-based alcohol to those significantly less wealthy than themselves. In 1989 HM Customs granted the Temperleys the first full cider-distilling licence ever, and in 2003 his Somerset farm won the Great British Food Award for its 'unique range of apple products'. Around the same time, his daughter Alice's little fashion business took off. Temperley's posh frocks (you won't get much change from £1,000) are worn by beautiful friends at the family's legendary country pile parties. Branching out from crocheted tunics, Alice has designed packaging for the Somerset cider brandy. The Temperleys' former neighbour, Dame Elisabeth Frink, designed their original labels.
They specialise in: cider brandy and good times.
Friends of: Notting Hill set.
2. The Prince of Wales and Duchy Originals
Prince Charles had some time on his hands. The kids were freckling up nicely, the wife was attractive, the country, fine, so in 1992 he decided to turn his rural retreat, the picturesque Duchy Home Farm in Gloucestershire, into an organic farming operation. By banning agrochemicals from his soil and going old-school on the production methods, the Prince got organic certification and created Duchy Originals, a high-class, high-profit organisation, the cash from which goes into Charles' charitable trusts. Awfully nice biscuits too.
They specialise in: lots of things.The original biscuits have been joined by delicious bacon, sausages, jams ...
Friends of: Joanna Lumley.
3. Elizabeth Hurley
At birth, Elizabeth Hurley's baby Damian was massive. It was clear that this was a child who'd require special attention. So Liz decided to launch her own brand of organic baby food. 'All I wanted to do was give him perfect, unadulterated food,' she said last year. 'It would be wonderful to come up with good, maybe even convenience, food which is really healthy, low-calorie, organic and delicious.' Since then, she's retreated to her Gloucestershire estate, and put her farm into an organic conversion. And she's bought some pigs. 'I've joined the breeders' club already and I'm quite excited,' she cooed. Look out for Hurley Organics next year.
They specialise in: Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs and rusks. Probably.
Friends of: Hugh Grant, Elton John.
4. Roger Saul and Sharpham Park
Three years ago Roger Saul was ousted from Mulberry, the fashion empire he founded. Instead of sulking into his soft and artfully distressed leather sofa, he bought more of the parkland surrounding his Somerset house, and promptly became a farmer. Sharpham Park, which specialises in spelt (an ancient cereal grain), becomes fully organic this year. Saul's 'speltacular' breakfast cereals are served at the Dorchester, his spelt-based beauty products are sold at Liberty, and a new range of spelt pizzas were launched in Notting Hill this summer.
They specialise in: A spelt lifestyle.
Friends of: That Duchy lot.
5. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and River Cottage
He cooks! He writes! He flambées placentas! And for those who still haven't had time to raise, slaughter and process a pig of their own, Hugh sells the River Cottage Pig-in-a-Box. 'It's the gastronomic embodiment of our nose-to-tail philosophy of respecting our wonderful pigs by using everything but the oink,' he says. Every edible part of the pig, including nose, tail, trotters and offal, are represented in the box, with a selection of less meaty products (including River Cottage Stinger Beer) available from selected delis.
They specialise in: banishing waste. By eating everything.
Friend of: Carnivores.
6. Sting, Trudie and Il Palagio
Trudie and Sting, the all-singing, all-lute playing, all-acting, all-sexing couple, have produced a range of organic olive oil and honey from their 16th century Tuscan estate. 'I feel that we're using nature's bounty to give something back to the earth,' Trude says, 'and so help preserve its future for generations to come.' Their Il Palagio range is sold exclusively at Harrods, with 10% of profits going to charity. Britford Farm also sells the blond pair's veg anonymously.
They specialise in: Italian bounty.
Friends of: Madonna, Gwynnie.
