Severn & Wye Smokery in Gloucestershire has launched a telephone and online supermarket and nationwide delivery service in order to keep supplying its retail customers during the lockdown period of the Covid-19 crisis.
Richard Cook of Severn & Wye Smokery, said: “In the course of a month, the hospitality industry has practically closed down. Only those with the agility to adapt their offering are able to keep going. Whilst from a business perspective the easiest thing at this present time would be to temporarily close the shop, we feel that we have an onus of responsibility to supply not only our own products but also a range of other essential products to customers, especially when they are experiencing difficulties with shopping at supermarkets and accessing other online services.
“After a trial period of offering home delivery to our local and surrounding communities, we have been encouraged by the response of our customers and are now looking to roll the service out to support a wider area by welcoming orders from all over the UK and Ireland. We hope that by doing so we can help customers get the provisions they need, whilst easing the unprecedented pressure on larger retailers who may be struggling to meet demands for national delivery services and ongoing product shortages. We’re looking to take something positive out of the ongoing crisis, with a view to planning for the future.”
“In the course of a month, the hospitality industry has practically closed down. Only those with the agility to adapt their offering are able to keep going.”
He added: “At present, our fish market, deli and food hall are still very much open for business, with people able to come in and purchase produce, as long as they comply with the social distancing guidelines. For ease of pick-up and to reduce time spent in the food hall, if desired, customers can call ahead to place their order. We will then be happy to package everything together, ready for a pre-agreed collection time.
“With the hospitality industry facing a very tough time, we’ve been exploring methods that allow us to keep working and our customers to keep enjoying our food, whilst staying safe, of course. With the necessary structure to do so already practically in place, we’ve leapt into action and created a service that does both. We’re looking forward to helping our customers get the items they need, easing the burden on wider food suppliers.”
