Oban food depot’s bid to help out during crisis

An important food wholesaler based in Oban has stepped up to help the public after seeing demand from the private sector fall away, Ellis Butcher.

Bidfood Scotland, which has a depot on Glengallan Road, usually deals directly with restaurants, pubs, hotels, and schools.

Since the coronavirus, the company has switched its business model to delivering vital food packages for vulnerable people struggling to get to the shops.

It has also as rolled out a new click-and-collect service allowing residents to buy direct online and receive vital deliveries to the door.

Jon Mack, general manager for Bidfood

Scotland, said: ‘Bidfood Scotland’s Oban depot is proud to be offering the click-and-collect service which we launched to consumers last week. Consumers can log on to our website www. bidfood.co.uk where they are able to register and purchase a wide range of frozen, chilled and ambient goods from our core range.’

It is also playing a role in a wider Scottish Government initiative to see that those needing food do not go hungry.

‘We’re working in partnership with Brakes Scotland to make this happen. We began delivering these food packages out of our Oban depot this week,’ he added.

The company said it had taken a number of steps to ensure the safety of the products it supplies and protect its workforce during the pandemic.

‘While putting in place comprehensive plans for our customers, we’ve also looked at how best we can support the general public and their requirement for food,’ said Mr Mack.

‘As we are seeing many outlets sadly close their doors for the foreseeable future, the pressure is mounting for retailers and this doesn’t seem to be slowing.’

The company also has depots in Edinburgh,

Larbert and Inverness.