Kate’s Farm Shop adapts to life in lockdown
KATE’S Farm Shop in Clonard Great is adapting to life during the pandemic by extending its services for customers.
Under the guidance of the Guild of Fine Food (GFF), the food supplier is now taking orders via Facebook, WhatsApp and email. By using contactless payments and adhering to strict social distancing guidelines, the Farm Shop is continuing to provide fresh produce for its customer base.
And as a member of the GFF, it has been part of a reimagining in how local businesses can still exist while under lockdown.
As part of its support for small retailers and producers during the Covid-19 crisis, the GFF has been gathering and sharing innovative ideas from across Ireland’s independent food and drink retail community and it hopes these stories will inspire the sector and shine a spotlight on the small businesses that are stepping up to become part of the solution.
Among those providing a vital lifeline to people across the country, is Mezze in Tramore, Co. Waterford, winner of the Shop of the Year 2020 Newcomer award, which has launched Middle Eastern inspired cook-a-long sessions to engage with customers throughout the crisis. An ingredients list is posted ahead of the sessions, held every Friday at 5pm on Facebook Live, which customers can buy online.
Others include Woodcock Smokery in Gortbrack near Skibbereen, which is using its traditional salt and smoke preservation techniques to extend the shelf-life of a sudden surplus of fish once destined for markets in Spain and France.
While waving the flag for the agile independents going the extra mile to ensure that shoppers can get the provisions they need, the GFF has also created a dedicated Covid-19 online resource, offering tailored information, advice and tips for the fine food trade.
Open to all, the webpage features a live map of food and drink businesses that have stock available or need supplies, connecting producers, distributors and retailers, as well as suppliers of equipment and services.
The food industry can also sign up to receive the GFF’s new support bulletin via email, which will feature content specifically relevant to independent food retailers, the producers who supply them and the consumers who support them.
John Farrand, managing director of the GFF, said, ‘We could all do with some positive news at the moment and the independent food scene is coming up with the goods in more ways than one.
‘It fills me with pride to see how our members and the wider retail market have adapted their businesses overnight, in order to serve their customers more effectively and safely during this period. I think this says a lot about the people behind the patchwork of diverse independents across the country,’ he said.
‘These businesses have stepped up when we need them the most and they deserve our support in return.
‘I’d encourage everyone to check out what their local delis, cheesemongers, butchers and bakers are doing and use the hashtag #supportlocal on social media to share their stories.’
The Guild of Fine Food’s Covid-19 support resource is open to all and can be accessed at gff.co.uk/support.