From the paddock to home plates

WHEN stage three coronavirus restrictions were enforced, wholesale food supplier, Natures Cargo lost a “huge chunk” of their business overnight.

Procurement manager, Emily Wilkie, said the family business knew they needed to immediately adapt, to save the jobs of their staff, support their local suppliers, and help feed the region.

“With all the news of the supermarkets struggling to keep their shelves full, we thought, we’ve got food in bulk, so let’s work out a way to get it direct to the public,” she said.

Within a week, Natures Cargo set up online sales, catering for regular shoppers in self-isolation at home, as opposed to their usual hospitality clientele.

At onlineordering.naturescargo.com.au people can register an account, which will give them access to stock availability in the warehouse, including frozen meat, dairy, Wilsons fresh fruit and vegetable boxes, pasta, canned foods, flour, and fresh meat including bacon and ham.

“We’ve also got access to a fresh butcher which we pick up from daily. It’s not online, but people can call our tele sales department (1800 788 670) to add any other fresh meat to their order,” Ms Wilkie said.

With a strong “paddock to plate” focus, supporting western district producers, Natures Cargo champions smaller enterprises like Country Style Smallgoods, Green Eggs, Camperdown Dairy, Timboon Fine Ice Cream and Apostle Whey Cheese.

“These are people we need to keep supporting. We need the sales so we can keep buying from them.”

Contactless pick-up is at 32 Old Creswick Road, Wendouree or delivery is available.