Local farmers’ markets in line to move online

● Businesswoman setting up internet store to help producers during lockdown

Anorth-east woman is launching an online, one-stop weekly farmers’ market to support hardpressed local producers during the coronavirus crisis.

The first of its kind in the region, the North East Food Hub will offer the chance to buy goods from a wide range of local food and drink firms in one place, all at the click of a button.

The virtual farmers’ market, or “local supermarket” as founder Ellie Sinclair refers to it, will stock fresh meat, dairy, vegetables, vegan items, dried fruits, confectionery, ready meals, soft drinks and basic household goods.

Ms Sinclair, who is recruiting firms to add their products to the site, is the owner of Aberdeenshire sauce firm VegCo and decided it was crucial to launch the business as soon as possible due to the restrictions firms face on delivery and food service.

It was announced last week that farmers’ markets across the north and north-east were being cancelled in a bid to help thwart coronavirus.

Ms Sinclair said: “I’ve pulled the launch forward quite a bit to try to help out as many local businesses as possible.

“I wanted to provide a platform where producers can sell their products to their customers to help both the producer and the community.

“There’s nothing really like it up here. The Great British Food Hub, which will host the online store, is more centred around Glasgow and London.

“I initially was going to start it off with a click and collect service from weekly designated collection points across the north-east, but I’ve had to change a lot of the business model to make it work now because of coronavirus and social distancing,” said Ms Sinclair.

“Everyone’s movements are restricted so we are providing delivery only for the time being.”

More than 50 producers including Cambus O’May, The Bread Maker, Rora Dairy, Big Beefy’s Biltong, Invercamey Dairy, Aberdeenshire Highland Beef, Kilted Coffee, Mike’s Pizza and Louise’s Farm Kitchen have already signed up.

The market will open to customers every week and they will have until Sunday at midnight – when sales close – to place orders.

A report will then be generated and sent to each producer, giving them until 4pm on Tuesday to get their products to Ms Sinclair’s family farm near Ellon.

She will then compile all the orders and deliver them, from Wednesday to Friday, around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

She added: “The online market will be weekly and will allow plenty of time for customers to place their orders.

“We want to provide a platform that hosts a whole load of food and drink goods as well as home goods like eco soaps, washing liquids and more.

“Bare, a zero-waste shop in Ellon will be selling these sorts of goods online as well as dried fruits, nuts and pastas.

“It’s really simple and the customer will get their order with all of their shopping in it delivered directly to their doorstep.

“We will be doing all deliveries contactless of course to ensure the safety of both the customers and staff.

“It’s not how I’d originally planned it but it’s our way of doing our bit for the local community and supporting local people.

“Being a producer myself, I know just how challenging it is so I’m looking forward to helping others, too.”

In the future, designated click and collect areas will include independent stores and other businesses. However these will only be confirmed once government restrictions are relaxed.

For more information, or to view the hub, visit www.thegreatbritishfoodhub.com/hubs/aberdeen-shires-food-hub

“A platform...to help producers and the community”