Dorset-based food manufacturer and shop, Olives Et Al has launched an online store ‘Loaf & Larder’, responding to concerns about self-isolation and surviving after their business fell 98% due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The local business has sourced suppliers, found a courier service and built a website all within a few days, digitalising their current store, extending their range to store cupboard essentials and providing a service to deliver nationally.
“We literally built the website overnight and completed our first food order delivery that same day. We all got involved; and during the first week, Giles – founder & director of Olives Et Al was working around the clock picking and delivering orders across the county!” said Mark Freeman, managing director.
Loaf & Larder is meeting customer requirements, and developing contacts with British producers to extend their range.
Aiming to deliver within three days seven-days a week, Loaf & Larder can supply bread, eggs and tinned goods – and their award-winning Olives, sauces and condiments from their online recipe book.
Giles said: “Deliveries direct to the consumer were a natural next step for the business, however with the world as it is right now, our traditional business serving cafés, restaurants and pubs, just isn’t there.
Loaf and Larder has now become a lifeline to maintain and protect long term local jobs and businesses that will all be needed once this crisis is over the worst. It is also about supporting customers. Olives Et Al motto is “Live more and eat very happily.”
Founded 26-years ago, Olives Et Al is a family-run manufacturer of authentic, plant-based foods and ingredients, primarily olives, dressings, condiments and snacks based in Sturminster Newton, Dorset.