Food manufacturer and shop launches online store in 24 hours

In an effort to protect jobs and serve the local community during the lockdown, family-run Olives Et Al has launched Loaf & Larder, an online store offering nationwide home delivery service. Within a day, the company sourced suppliers, found a courier service and set up the online platform to reach customers who are self-isolating.

“We literally built the website overnight and completed our first food order delivery that same day,” managing director Mark Freeman explained. “We all got involved: during the first week, founder and director Giles Henschel was working around the clock, picking and delivering orders across the country!”

The digital version of the company’s store includes existing products such as olives, sauces and condiments, as well as an expanded range of store cupboard essentials, including bread, eggs and tinned goods. Loaf & Larder is keen to expand further, and is now working closely with British producers to supply more fresh produce to customers in the coming weeks and months.

“Deliveries direct to the customer were a natural next step for the business, however with the world as it is right now, our traditional business, which serves cafes, restaurants and pubs, just isn’t there,” Giles said.

“Loaf & 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. It’s also about supporting those customers who are used to being able to shop for themselves during these unprecedented times.

“We’re pleased we’re now able to meet people’s everyday food needs, but in these worrying times, we are still encouraging people to treat themselves and bring some homegrown happiness to the table.”