Where did it all begin?
The Seasons (Forest Row and Lewes) was born back in 1971 when a local Quaker, Diana Phillips, recognised a real need in the community for healthy organic foods. The business was bought in 2012 by John Walden, a longstanding director of the shop, and he was joined by his son Robin a few years later. By the autumn of 2017 they moved from Hartfield Road to create a new shop on the site of an old vegetable shop in Medway House. There they have been able to offer an even greater range of high-quality, organic foods all under one roof whilst maintaining the same community spirit.
Commitment to Green Values & Working with Nature
At the core of The Seasons’ values lies a commitment to offering customers an extraordinary range of Organic and Biodynamic Foods. They believe that the way to a healthy society is through healthy foods and their vision is for a world where ‘good’ businesses don’t have to work against the grain.
The Seasons are a member of the Organic Farmers & Growers Association and partner with local farms such as Cherry Gardens, Balcombe Nurseries, Laines Farm and Emerson Gardens, who ensure a bountiful supply of fresh, pesticide-free produce. From vibrant vegetables to succulent fruits, each item reflects a dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Moreover, The Seasons pioneers eco-friendly solutions, offering refill stations and zero-waste products to minimise packaging waste. By promoting conscious consumption and supporting ethical suppliers, they strive to create a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
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The Seasons Wholefoods became an official B Corporation (or B Corp) just in time for Organic September!
Why is that important? Because going through the B Corp assessment process pushed The Seasons to gather data and evidence that proved Organic food is good for business, as well as your health and the earth.
The Seasons Wholefoods hit important thresholds within the B Corp Impact Assessment, known as Impact Business Models (IBMs).
In a nutshell, IBMs are proof of purpose driving profit.
Buying, selling and championing organically grown food, and in particular food grown on biodynamic and regenerative farms, is at the core of The Seasons mission.
BUT, in order to gain points, The Seasons had to crunch some serious data. It took ages, but what emerged was proof that directly brings this commitment to life:
91% of The Seasons revenues come from the sale of certified organic products.
The remaining 9% comes from the sale of products that do not carry a certification (for various reasons), many are still grown to organic principles.
According to Robin Walden, Director of The Seasons, “The B Impact Assessment pushed us into tracking and measuring all the good things we do. So, we now have data to show the world that our way of doing business works.”
Trusted suppliers
With over 4,000 carefully curated products, The Seasons celebrates the craftsmanship of local artisans and makers. They offer weekly Taster Days & ‘Meet the Maker’ days, often inviting suppliers to come and talk with the customers and sample their products. By bridging the gap between producers and consumers, The Seasons fosters a sense of community and appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship.
Roots within the Community
Beyond being a place to shop, The Seasons is deeply involved in the local community. From sponsoring events to supporting charities, they believe in giving back and building connections. Whether you're attending a workshop or simply popping in for groceries, you'll always be greeted with a warm smile and a sense of belonging.
Ready to embrace a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle? Visit The Seasons in Forest Row or Lewes, or take advantage of their delivery and Get Bikery (Lewes) services. With their dedication to wellness and community, they're more than just a store—they're a beacon of hope for a brighter, greener future!
Vegetarian & Vegan Café: The Seasons Kitchen
Just a stone's throw away from the Forest Row shop lies The Seasons Kitchen - a space where you can eat organic vegetarian and vegan food. Open for breakfast, lunch, teas, coffees and freshly squeezed juices, they only use the best local, seasonal and organic products. Stay tuned for some exciting new changes that are currently in the works!