Fresh food and a recipe all comes in a Swperbox
AN ENTREPRENEUR’S experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effect on his Llandeilo community spurred him on to build a business that not just serves its customers but local producers too.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Alex Cook saw bookings for his award-winning catering business disappear overnight. So, he began helping out at the local foodbank and co-ordinated the Feed the NHS Wales campaign in Carmarthenshire.
Mr Cook’s experiences led to the creation of Swperbox, an enterprise that makes fresh, local produce readily available and equips customers with the ability to use that produce to create a range of dishes at home.
Mr Cook said: “I noticed that some people coming to the foodbank didn’t know what to do with the fresh produce we were giving them. So, I did some research about recipe boxes and came up with Swperbox.
“The recipe box market is growing in the UK, but not yet in Wales. Swperbox has been set up as a Community Interest Company because I wanted it to deliver fantastic fresh food to people and help those who produce it and the local economy.
Swperbox looks to connect with local small-scale farms and forge direct links with those across the food supply chain – supporting the circular economy and creating new networks, and reinvesting profits into training and development.
Mr Cook, who is undertaking a NHS nutrition course, added: “In each recipe, there is an element of learning to start the home chef on their journey.”
Currently, deliveries are made to customers in the SA postcode area. But there are plans to make Swperbox deliveries across south and mid Wales and Wales-wide within two years.
It is also Mr Cook’s ambition within three years to create more than 20 jobs in his local community.