Peak industry body Food South Australia has launched a new Online Marketplace, aimed at connecting consumers with local food and beverage providers that can take online orders and deliver products.
Available as a directory via Food South Australia's website, and sister site Eat Local SA, the Online Marketplace will help consumers across the State find businesses able to deliver a range of food and beverage products.
Food South Australia's CEO Catherine Sayer said "As the COVID-19 crisis continues to affect how we interact, work and shop, consumers are looking for new and easy ways to connect directly with local business. There is also high demand for delivery services as more people isolate themselves and take the recommended precautions in relation to social distancing.
"Supermarkets are doing an incredible job trying to keep up with demand. But it's important for consumers to know there are other options in terms of getting access to South Australian produce and products, particularly for those who may be housebound, or physically unable to reach local shops."
Ms Sayer said the Online Marketplace is intended to help consumers cut through to find local businesses who are able to take orders and home deliver so consumers can contact them directly, and some South Australian businesses are also looking to work together to make it even easier to place orders. Recent initiatives undertaken by Barossa Fine Foods was an excellent example of this partnership opportunity.
"With assistance from Food SA, Barossa Fine Foods has now partnered with some complementary businesses to offer additional products and bundle them for direct to customer delivery. We have also introduced flexible purchasing options such as phone orders for seniors, free shipping and zero credit card fees to further encourage new customers" said Alex Knoll, Business Development Manager.
"We are not only able to deliver within the metropolitan area, but through our relationship with transport operator Iannace, we can deliver to selected regional SA areas," Mr Knoll said.
"It is absolutely vital that older people keeping themselves at home maintain their health during this period. A good diet is key. This initiative is a good way of ensuring that our quality local food producers remain accessible to people in their own homes and keep their businesses going. A great example of South Australians taking care of each other," said Dr David Panter, Chief Executive of ageing care services provider ECH (Enabling Confidence at Home).
"The SA food and beverage industry is truly coming together to ensure South Australians have access to local produce, while supporting local business. It is a challenging time for all of us, but providing these connections will keep people in jobs, business operations open and consumers with the produce they need, delivered to their door both during this crisis and beyond," said Ms Sayer.
