LOCKDOWN proved the perfect time to launch a local business offering fresh fruit and veg, either delivered direct to your Hampshire home or served up in a Covid secure pop up essentials market.
McD Fruit & Veg, which will turn a year old next month, is proving particularly popular with isolating customers.
Liam McDermott, whose nan, uncle and brother have run a successful fruit and veg stall on Salisbury and Wilton markets for the past 15 years, decided to continue the family tradition and launch the firm in Totton.
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He told the Daily Echo: "We began trading in March 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic started closing the country down.
"We go above and beyond to ensure all customers that are isolating at home receive fresh fruit and veg throughout the week.
"My brother Glenn and I have also created an essentials market in Totton which features local traders all supplying something different."
Around ten local traders, including the delightful New Forest Cheesecake Company - a previous Daily Echo trader of the week - feature in the market, which takes place at The Old Farmhouse pub in Totton every Friday.
McD Fruit & Veg also trade direct from their Facebook page, which has amassed 3500 followers and runs regular competitions and giveaways.
The firm has donated to local farms, animal sanctuaries, vaccination centres and schools throughout their first year and also offer a discount for NHS, emergency service and military workers.
They delivered 400 boxes in three days in the run up to Christmas.
"We are constantly told that the quality of our produce, and the fair prices we charge are unbeaten in the area," adds Liam.
"We go out of our way to support every single customer to ensure they receive a five star service every time they shop with us.
"When we originally started we had no premises, no delivery vans, nothing. After a few weeks of receiving orders regularly we arranged to rent a local community hall where we organised our box deliveries, and gave customers a place to drive up, have their pre-ordered boxes loaded into their cars all contact free. We have now purchased our first van that we use for deliveries."
- McD Fruit and Veg are our trader of the week. To feature in this regular column, click the link below.
Trader
Who goes above and beyond? There are so many traders in our corner of Hampshire who are providing their customers with the best possible service. At the Daily Echo, we are starting up a new feature where we will highlight one exceptional trader per week who goes the extra mile for their customers. To have your shop, hairdresser, restaurant or business featured, fill in the details below.
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