A FARMING family is “chuffed to bits” after its business was named as Britain’s best vegetables and fruit producer in a new guide.

Food author Rose Prince’s The Good Produce Guide 2012, which is described as an “indispensable” handbook listing the best independent food producers in Britain, is published in November.

Alder Carr Farm, at Needham Market, was chosen as the best vegetables and fruit producer out of hundreds in her ‘best in’ category.

Nick Hardingham, who set up the business with wife Joan in 1981, said: “I can only say I’m chuffed to bits. The whole team at Alder Carr is committed to producing the best possible fruit and vegetables for our customers and I am delighted at this recognition for our commitment.”

Alder Carr Farm is a soft fruit specialist and hosts farmers’ markets.

It sells seasonal fruit and vegetables grown on the farm, as well as other local foods such as its own highland beef, free-range eggs and award-winning fruit ice cream, a favourite with Rose Prince for its high fruit content.

Marybelle Milk of Walpole, near Halesworth, is commended in the dairy section of the book.

The Good Produce Guide is published by Hardie Grant Books in London, priced �12.99.

Alder Carr’s top listing is the second accolade in recent weeks for the farm.

Last week, Alder Tree, which makes ice cream using fruit from the farm, was named as a finalist in the Best Food Producer category of BBC Radio 4’s Food & Farming Awards.

The winners will be announced on November 23.