Suppliers: Imported provisions, 1880s to 1930s

From the beginning, John James Sainsbury was committed to sourcing British products where possible, and one of Sainsbury's longest suppliers is Lloyd Maunder, based in Devon.

However, free trade policies, new railway links and mass production methods led to massive growth in the imported provisions trade during the late 19th century. Imported goods such as preserved fish, canned fruit and corned beef, played an important role in improving the British diet at this time.

At the outbreak of the First World War, more than 75% of the butter, cheese, eggs and bacon consumed in Britain was imported. Grain from Argentina and lamb from New Zealand were also important elements of the nation's diet. Wartime brought about the need to cut down on food imports.

After the war, Britain was faced with a huge trade deficit. The government provided subsidies for home-produced foods and gave preference to imported goods produced in the British Empire. Sainsbury's advertising during this period emphasises patriotic buying polices by using phrases like 'British and Best' and referring to 'Empire butter' and 'Colonial mutton'. 15th-20th October 1934 was 'Home Produce Week' at Sainsbury's Leatherhead branch, featuring an 'Exhibition of English Goods'.