Organic food business expands into Manchester

FRUIT and vegetable delivery firm Riverford Organic is to launch a new service in Manchester city centre as it looks to double its turnover.

The franchise, which is run by Stockport-based businessman Dave Hanlon, also launched into Liverpool City Centre earlier this month.

Mr Hanlon decided to launch the Manchester service after a ‘significant number’ of potential customers registered their interest.

Riverford Organic, which is based at Stockley Farm in Cheshire, is the fastest growing vegetable box scheme in the UK serving more than 47,000 customers across the country each week.

Owned and farmed by John Walton, Stockley Farm is a popular visitor attraction in the North West attracting many families and school parties from greater Manchester throughout the year.

Mr Walton has been selling organic vegetables out of Stockley Farm since 2002 and joined forces with Riverford Organic in September 2008 to ensure that Riverford customers in the North West could enjoy as much local, quality produce in their boxes as possible.

Riverford also works with other local organic farmers in Cheshire and Lancashire including Organic Dan based near Ormskirk and Knutsford egg supplier TJ Harrison.

Last year Dave Hanlon beat off competition from 105 other Riverford Organic franchisees nationwide to be named the company’s ‘business builder of the year’.

Mr Hanlon said: “Once you have tasted fresh organic vegetables straight from the ground it is hard to go back to the supermarket alternatives.

“Once people get the chance to try the vegetables we are selling – and as importantly realise how affordable they are – they soon become customers.

“People tell us they love the different range of quality, seasonal vegetables that arrive in their boxes each week as well as the many inspiring recipes we provide on a weekly basis to help them find new and interesting ways to cook veg.”