Yes, it is only October but for those of us quietly excited about the onset of the festive period, talk of theCword brings thoughts of indulging in seasonal treats.

I’m not talking of the traditional Christmas roast with all the trimmings. I’m talking about the evening buffet of cold meats, cheeses, pates and biscuits that’s infinitelymore indulgent and enjoyable than a roast you can have any Sunday (well, I think so anyway).

There is plenty you can make on your own but also plenty you can buy to save you the trouble – and you’d be supporting your local producers in the process.

At the East of England Co op, the Locally Sourced campaign has been so popular the retailer is confident it will generate £16 million this year, £2million up on last year.

“We have had to increase our range this year because I don’t think we ordered enough last year,” says Kevin Warden, fresh food and local sourcing manager at the East of England Co op.

“Last year was the first year we’d had a dedicated locallysourced Christmas range and it was obvious our customers wanted it. So this year we approached the suppliers in January and February and talked about increasing the range of products theymake, and they’ve all been on board with that. We have quite a few new things this year.”

The range is definitely party food focused, says Kevin, with jams and chutneys from Stoke Sauces, minced meat for mince pie do-it-yourselfers from Thursday Cottage in Tiptree, pork pies from Norfolk producers, turkey-flavoured crisps from Fairfield Farm in Wormingford and a wider range of pates and terrines from Dan Hull in Burnham.

“Dan Hull’s winter slaw is something we are selling all winter, but his duck liver pate with cherry jam topping is something new,” says Kevin.

“And that is what our customers seem to want. It’s different and when you have guests round, or are having a bit of a party of buffet, you can give them something that is different, Christmassy and supports your local economy.”

The Locally Sourced initative began in 2007 and now includes more than 2,400 products from 140 suppliers across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, ranging from beer from Braintree to bread, bacon and even Christmas trees.

The initiative has generated £34 million for the local economy and supported the creation of 400 new jobs in the region.

The locally-sourced range is so popular that the Co op is opening a new store in Coggeshall, complete with deli counter to house the premium products.

Carl Simpson, store manager at East of England Co-op Daily, Coggeshall, said: “I’ve worked at our current store on Doubleday Corner in Coggeshall for the past 14 years, and during that time I’ve seen our trade grow and grow, so a new extended range is just what my customers need.

“My customers are very loyal to our local producers so I think they’ll love having the new Deli-to-Go range.”