Greener, Smarter, Cheaper: Sustainable Delivery Solutions for Independent Food Producers

In today’s eco-conscious world, independent food producers, farm shops, and artisan makers face a unique challenge — how to deliver their fresh, often perishable products in a way that’s both environmentally responsible and economically viable. 

With rising fuel costs, urban low-emission zones, and growing consumer demand for green practices, it’s more important than ever to rethink how food gets from farm to fork.

Whether you’re delivering fresh eggs from a smallholding, craft gin from a micro-distillery, or hampers packed with local cheeses, here are some practical strategies to make your delivery methods more sustainable — without breaking the bank.

1. Rethink Vehicle Choices

Large delivery vans are often more than what’s needed for small-scale producers. Switching to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles — or even electric vans — can dramatically cut emissions and running costs.

Ideas to explore:

Electric cargo bikes for local drop-offs (ideal in towns and cities). Or even pedal-powered delivery bikes.

Shared electric vans through local co-operatives or business partnerships.

Investigate government grants or tax incentives for electric vehicle purchases in the UK (e.g., the Plug-in Van Grant).

2. Collaborate Locally

Pooling resources can save fuel and cut emissions. If several producers in your area are delivering to the same town or region, why not share the load?

How it works:

Set up a producer delivery network in your local area.

Use one shared vehicle or courier to deliver multiple producers’ goods in a single trip.

Coordinate via WhatsApp, Slack, or free logistics tools like Routific or Circuit.

This cooperative model works especially well for farm shops and local markets with multiple suppliers.

3. Offer Click & Collect or Drop-off Points

Home delivery isn’t always the greenest option. Instead, set up designated collection points or partner with existing local businesses as pick-up locations.

Benefits:

Reduces the number of delivery miles.

Encourages footfall to supporting local shops and cafés.

Offers flexibility to customers who may not be home for deliveries.

Rural areas especially benefit from this model, helping customers save on postage while still supporting local.

4. Use Eco-Friendly Packaging

Sustainable delivery isn't just about the journey — it's also about the packaging.

Tips for greener packaging:

Choose compostable or recyclable materials (avoid polystyrene or single-use plastics).

Use insulated wool liners or reusable ice packs for chilled goods.

Encourage a returns system for packaging materials like jars, crates or boxes.

Also consider offering a small discount or loyalty reward for customers who return packaging.

5. Optimise Delivery Routes

Route planning software can significantly cut down delivery times, fuel use and stress.

Recommended tools:

Routific or Circuit Route Planner (great for small business use).

Google Maps’ route optimisation for free, small-scale operations.

Track mileage and emissions to assess long-term savings.

Avoid backtracking, reduce idle time and group deliveries by geography and time of day.

6. Partner with Green Courier Services

If you’re sending produce further afield, look for third-party courier services with a green focus.

What to look for:

Electric or hybrid vehicle fleets.

Carbon-neutral operations (e.g., DPD UK’s carbon offsetting programme).

Local bike courier collectives in urban areas like London, Bristol or Manchester.

Ask your courier what sustainability practices they have in place — customers are increasingly interested in this information too.

7. Communicate Your Commitment

Finally, let your customers know what you're doing. Share your delivery changes and eco-efforts on your website, social media, and packaging. Transparency builds trust — and your commitment to sustainability could be what sets you apart in a crowded market.

Final Thoughts

Going green with your delivery logistics doesn’t have to be expensive or complex. By thinking creatively, working with others, and using available tools and technology, independent food producers and farm shops can create a delivery system that’s good for the planet — and the bottom line.

Have you made a green delivery switch that worked well for your business? Share your story in the comments — we'd love to hear it!

The Rise of Meal Delivery Services in the UK: Are They Worth It?

Discover the top meal delivery services in the UK for 2025. Compare HelloFresh, Gousto, Mindful Chef, and more to find the best meal box for your lifestyle, budget, and diet.

Meal delivery services in the UK have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a convenient way to eat well without the hassle of meal planning or grocery shopping. Whether you're aiming for healthier eating habits, saving time in the kitchen, or simply want to try something new, there’s a meal subscription box out there to suit your needs.

In this post, we’ll explore the best UK meal delivery services, compare their features, and help you decide whether a meal box subscription is worth it in 2025.

What Is a Meal Delivery Service?

A meal delivery service is a subscription-based service that sends pre-portioned ingredients, easy-to-follow recipe cards, or ready-made meals directly to your home. Many UK-based services cater to different lifestyles, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, low-calorie, and family-friendly diets.

Popular formats include:

Recipe kits – cook from scratch with fresh ingredients

Prepared meals – heat-and-eat options

Diet-specific meal plans – keto, vegan, low-carb, etc.

Top Meal Delivery Services in the UK (2025)

Here are some of the most trusted and popular meal delivery brands in the UK:

1. HelloFresh UK

Best for: Balanced meal planning

Offers family-friendly and vegetarian options

Over 40 weekly recipes

Introductory discounts available

2. Gousto

Best for: Recipe variety

75+ recipes per week

Quick meals (under 10 minutes) available

Flexible subscription model

3. Mindful Chef

Best for: Healthy, wholefood-based meals

No refined carbs or processed ingredients

Gluten- and dairy-free options available

Donates meals to those in need with every purchase

4. Allplants

Best for: Vegan and plant-based meals

Frozen, chef-prepared dishes

Fully sustainable packaging

Ideal for busy professionals or meat-free diets

5. Green Chef

Best for: Special diet plans

Keto, low-carb, flexitarian options

Nutritionally balanced recipes

Eco-conscious packaging

6. Wiltshire Farm Foods

Best for: Elderly individuals and carers

Ready meals tailored to dietary needs (soft, pureed, low salt, etc.)

No subscription required

Nationwide delivery

Benefits of Meal Delivery Services

Why are more people choosing meal kits in the UK?

✅ Saves Time – No need for meal planning or last-minute supermarket trips

✅ Reduces Food Waste – Pre-measured ingredients = no unused produce

✅ Convenient for Special Diets – Easily stick to vegan, keto, or calorie-controlled plans

✅ Try New Recipes – Expand your cooking skills and taste palette

Potential Downsides to Consider

❌ Higher Cost than Supermarkets – More convenient, but usually pricier

❌ Packaging Waste – Some services use more plastic or unrecyclable materials

❌ Subscription Management – You’ll need to skip or cancel boxes if you're away

Are Meal Kits Worth It in the UK?

For many households, meal subscription boxes are worth the investment—especially during busy weeks. While they may not entirely replace traditional food shopping, they offer a hassle-free way to eat better, reduce waste, and enjoy cooking at home.

They're also great for:

Trying new cuisines

Supporting healthier eating habits

Reducing decision fatigue around what to cook

Final Thoughts

The UK meal delivery market in 2025 offers more choice and flexibility than ever before. Whether you're after convenience, better nutrition, or culinary inspiration, there’s a service to match your goals.

💡 Tip: Most companies offer generous first-time discounts, so it’s worth trying a few to find your favourite.

Have you tried a UK meal delivery service?

Leave a comment with your experience or tag us on Instagram with your meal creations!

https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/

https://www.gousto.co.uk/

https://get.mindfulchef.com/

https://www.cookplants.com/

https://www.greenchef.co.uk/

https://www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com/

Uber Eats expands partnership with Morrisons Supermarkets

Morrisons is to grow its immediacy offering in partnerships with Uber Eats. With the expansion, Morrisons will add over 400 supermarkets to the Uber Eats platform over the coming days.

Using Uber Eats’ technology, customers who use the Uber Eats platform can exclusively order from tens of thousands of items from Morrisons supermarkets. 

The average delivery time for Uber Eats customers in the UK is under 30 minutes. 

With this partnership customers will be able to order everyday essentials and Market Street fresh favourites from Morrisons as well as last minute dinners and must-have treats from The Best range.  Hundreds of these products have also been price matched to Morrisons supermarkets. 

The expansion of this partnership, which already included Morrisons Daily convenience stores, comes as Uber Eats recently revealed that in the past two years, the number of people who have placed a grocery order on Uber Eats in the UK has nearly doubled. 

Alex Troughton, Head of Grocery & Retail, Uber Eats, Europe, Middle East and Africa said: “It is fantastic to be expanding our partnership with Morrisons to include their supermarkets for the first time. Building on this partnership means customers who use our platform will have even more choice when ordering with us, with delivery in as little as 20 minutes, all at the touch of a button.”

Charlotte Exell, Morrisons Online Director, said: “We’re delighted to be offering customers another fast and convenient way to get Morrisons groceries delivered straight to their door by expanding our successful partnership with Uber.   We're committed to offering our customers great value high quality products however they choose to shop with us.” 

www.morrisons.com

DabbaDrop food delivery service hires KF COMMS to reach even more customers

KF COMMS is thrilled to be working with DabbaDrop, which is the UK's first plastic-free takeaway service on a mission to reclaim mealtimes.

Launched in 2018, DabbaDrop was the brainchild of Mumbai-born Anshu Ahuja and New Zealander Renee Williams.

Why did they launch DabbaDrop? Too many years of unfulfilling takeaways made with low-quality ingredients, offering minimal vegetarian options and leaving the customers with excessive plastic waste to dispose of.

As these two time poor mums started looking for a better alternative, DabbaDrop was born. What began life as an East London only neighbourhood delivery service, DabbaDrop now covers London zones 1-3 and has delivered in excess of 200,000 delicious, homemade meals, with zero waste and zero emissions.

Inspired by Dabbawalas born in Mumbai in the late 1800s (dabba meaning 'box' in Hindi), DabbaDrop gets its name from the steel boxes which have kept cities fed for over a hundred years. 

It began as a stacked dinner delivered by bike or railway train to neighbourhood workers who would enjoy their meal from top drawer to bottom and give back the containers on the delivery person's return journey.  (As an aside, my wife's father who was of Indian heritage used Dabbas! What a small world!) 

Along with the reusable steel dabba's that reduce environmental impact by being sterilised, refilled and reused, DabbaDrop's innovative pre-ordering system also means minimal food waste as they know exactly how many to make. 

Deliveries are then made using only eco-friendly methods like as pedal cycles, e-bikes, and zero-emission vehicles. 

To date, 404,584 plastic containers have been saved from being used; 3,200kg less food wasted and 25,478kg of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions have been avoided. That's the same amount as flying from London to New York  26 times!

Reclaiming mealtimes

With a mission to reclaim mealtimes, DabbaDrop's subscription means customers can opt for a once a week or once a fortnight delivery, taking the hassle out of meal planning and a promise to put the joy back into takeaways. 

With community and nourishing food at its core, customers are taken on a culinary journey across South Asia and beyond, through a set menu of hearty family recipes that are deep in flavour and full of goodness - and all cooked from scratch using the freshest ingredients. 

As busy mothers, Anshu and Renee know the value of connecting over a meal. By leaving DabbaDrop to do the legwork at least once a week, means friends and family can use the time they would usually spend scrolling for a delivery to instead reconnect over food that's beautiful, soul-lifting - and convenient.

Next  week (2-4th Oct) DabbaDrop will be serving a brand new menu from Kerala

This October half term DabbaDrop are offering a Buy ONE Dabba, get another HALF PRICE promotion.

https://dabbadrop.co.uk

I am Doner launches new Flavours

No one does kebabs quite like the iconic I am Doner. This is the reason why they are an award winning kebab business. 

Unlike a lot of other quick service brands I am Doner keeps its menu fairly basic, but they have decided that it's time for them to add some new flavour sensations.  

I am Doner is famous for its quirky and crazy special doners, just think back to their camel, lamb hearts, reindeer and Christmas dinner in a kebab offerings but since opening in back in 2016 it's made a conscious decision to keep any amendments to its core menu to a minimum.

As the country heads to a sporty summer, thinking here of the Olympics and Euros and they’re latest announcement that they will be opening stores overseas in Canada, I am Doner wanted to reach out across the world and bring in some new flavours, plus introducing several brand new menu items. Such as buttermilk chicken tenders, tender chicken burger and the ultimate sharer.  The new tenders will be available as a main course in three and five pieces and can be added to I Am Doner's flatbreads and bowls.

The better kebab brand is looking to trends that are popular with the public and working with them in their own, unique style. They are introducing four new flavours: Memphis BBQ, Katsu Curry Ketchup, Korean BBQ and a Coconut Curry.  

All their menu items have always been totally customisable and with the new menu diners will be able to pick one sauce out of a selection of seven flavours teamed up with a mayo of their choice allowing them to find their flavour.  For their hard core fans, there's no need for any anxiety. Because they'll be able to enjoy the OG of chilli sauce and garlic mayo.

Paul Baron, founder of I am Doner states: "Our new menu will be available from now onward for eating in our premises, taking away or for delivery.  

"We’ve gone for some unique new twists and flavours for our core menu, including the fresh buttermilk fried chicken tenders to expand our previous menu offering.  In truth, we hadn’t changed much in our core menu since we opened back in 2016 and we came to the conclusion that it was a good time to spice our menu up with some new global flavours."

Why not consider hosting your own Olympic or Euro party at home with catering provided by I Am Doner?

https://www.iamdoner.co.uk

Winging their way to you: Sauce Shop Launches Nationwide Delivery Concept Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop® in Partnership With Sessions

Sauce Shop, the popular and award-winning British craft sauce brand, has partnered with Sessions, the Growth Platform for original food brands, to launch an exclusive delivery concept, Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop®. 

This innovative partnership marks Sauce Shop's first foray into delivery-only operations, strategically tapping into the growing UK foodservice delivery market.

Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop® is set to debut on February 20th, available on leading delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. The menu, exclusively designed around Sauce Shop's exceptional range of products, features crispy fried wings, buttermilk fried tenders, chicken burgers and more, all made using, or served with, Sauce Shop sauces, including the 3-star Great Taste Award-winning Buffalo Hot Sauce.

Inspired by Sauce Shop's triumphs in the foodservice sector, Tenders & Wings, available from over 50 dark kitchens across the nation, aspires to deliver an outstanding 20,000 meals every week by April. With an anticipated surge in user penetration in meal delivery, expected to surpass 33% by 2027 (Statista, 2022), it highlights a significant market potential for Sauce Shop's latest exciting venture.

After supplying the hospitality industry with sauces and seasonings for almost a decade, Sauce Shop has built a reputation for uncompromising quality and flavour. The range is produced without artificial preservatives or additives, delivering an authentic taste that resonates with chefs and culinary professional and foodies. The brand's mission, centred on making great tasting sauces accessible to all, aligns seamlessly with the evolving preferences of consumers in the dynamic meal delivery landscape.

“We're really thrilled to announce our new food delivery menu. Having been suppliers to the hospitality industry for the best part of a decade, it's genuinely exciting to introduce a food menu that embodies the essence of Sauce Shop. Knowing that our fans appreciate a good serving of fried chicken, Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop is set to exceed their expectations” says Pam Digva, Co-Founder of Sauce Shop.

Dan Warne, Founder and CEO of Sessions said: "We have always believed in partnering with fresh talent, brands and creators to scale original food concepts, and our latest partnership with Sauce Shop® is a real testament to that.”

Sauce Shop is readily available at major retailers and local suppliers making it a convenient choice for chefs and establishments.

www.sauceshop.co

ChefOnline: Revolutionising the Indian Food Experience in the UK

ChefOnline, a food ordering platform, is transforming how Indian food enthusiasts can experience their favourite cuisine. 

In this blog post, we will delve into the impact of ChefOnline on Indian food consumers in the UK and explore how this platform has become a game-changer in the food industry.

Indian cuisine has been an integral part of British culture for many decades. It all began in the 18th century when the British East India Company established its presence in India. British soldiers and civil servants stationed in India developed a taste for the local flavours and brought this culinary influence back to the UK. Since then, Indian food has steadily gained popularity, with countless Indian restaurants and takeaways dotting the streets of British cities.

The Local Takeaway Tradition

For years, the local takeaway has been the go-to option for Indian food enthusiasts in the UK. Whether it's a Friday night treat or a convenient dinner option after a long day at work, the local takeaway has always been there to satisfy our cravings. However, despite the convenience, there were some limitations to this traditional approach:

- Limited menu options: Local takeaways often have a limited menu, restricting the variety of dishes available to consumers.

- Communication barriers: Ordering over the phone can be challenging, especially for individuals who are not familiar with Indian cuisine or have specific dietary requirements.

- Time-consuming process: Ordering from a local takeaway requires time and effort, especially during busy periods when phone lines are often engaged.

Introducing ChefOnline: Enhancing the Indian Food Experience

Starting of ChefOnline

In this digital age, the rise of food delivery startups has revolutionised the way we order and enjoy our favourite cuisines. In 2015, ChefOnline entered the scene, aiming to bridge the gap between Indian food enthusiasts and their favourite local restaurants. By partnering with a wide range of Indian restaurants across the UK, ChefOnline allowed consumers to explore a vast array of menu options from the comfort of their homes.

Convenience at Your Fingertips

ChefOnline offers a user-friendly mobile app and website that allows users to browse menus, place orders, and even track their deliveries in real time. Here's how ChefOnline has transformed the Indian food experience for consumers in the UK:

1. Expanded Menu Options: With ChefOnline, consumers can access an extensive range of menu options from various Indian restaurants, allowing them to explore new dishes and flavours.

2. User-Friendly Interface: ChefOnline's intuitive interface makes it easy for even the most technologically challenged individuals to navigate and place orders seamlessly.

3. Multiple search criteria: The ChefOnline portal offers a sophisticated search algorithm. Users can find the right restaurant or takeaway easily as they can search by restaurant name or, town name, or postcode. This feature helps users find the right food to order from the right place quickly and easily.

Real-World Scenarios: A Taste of ChefOnline's Impact

To truly understand the impact of ChefOnline on Indian food consumers in the UK, let's explore a few real-world scenarios:

Scenario 1: Exploring New Flavours

Imagine being a vegetarian who loves Indian cuisine but has always been limited to ordering the same few dishes from the local takeaway. With ChefOnline, this individual can now explore a wide range of vegetarian options from various Indian restaurants. From regional specialities to innovative fusion dishes, the possibilities are endless. ChefOnline's menu diversity encourages culinary exploration and expands the horizons of Indian food enthusiasts.

Scenario 2: Catering to Dietary Requirements

In today's health-conscious society, dietary requirements are becoming increasingly prevalent. Many individuals have specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free options. ChefOnline addresses these requirements by providing detailed information about the ingredients used in each dish, allowing users to make informed choices. This level of transparency ensures that individuals with dietary restrictions can enjoy Indian cuisine without compromising their health or preferences.

Scenario 3: Saving Time and Effort

After a long day at work, the last thing anyone wants is to spend precious time waiting on hold to place an order. ChefOnline eliminates this hassle, allowing users to place orders with just a few taps on their smartphones. The convenience of ChefOnline saves time and effort, enabling users to enjoy a stress-free dining experience.

The Future of Indian Food in the UK: ChefOnline's Potential Implications

The impact of ChefOnline on Indian food consumers in the UK goes beyond just convenience and menu options. Let's explore some potential future implications of this platform:

Cultural Exchange

ChefOnline's partnership with various Indian restaurants promotes cultural exchange by introducing consumers to the diverse flavours of India. Users gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of India's rich culinary traditions as they explore different regional cuisines. This cultural exchange enhances the dining experience and fosters greater cultural awareness and appreciation.

Support for Local Businesses

By partnering with local Indian restaurants, ChefOnline provides a platform for these businesses to expand their reach and attract a broader customer base. This support is particularly crucial in today's competitive market, where many small businesses struggle to survive. ChefOnline's platform benefits consumers and contributes to the growth and sustainability of local Indian restaurants.

Technological Advancements

ChefOnline's success has paved the way for further technological advancements in the food delivery industry. As the demand for convenient dining experiences continues to rise, we can expect to see more apps and platforms emerge, catering to a variety of cuisines and dietary preferences. This technological evolution benefits consumers and pushes the boundaries of innovation within the food industry.

ChefOnline has undoubtedly revolutionised the Indian food experience in the UK. This food ordering platform has become a game-changer in the food industry through its user-friendly interface, expanded menu options, and emphasis on customisation and dietary requirements. 

By fostering cultural exchange, supporting local businesses, and driving technological advancements, ChefOnline has profoundly impacted Indian food consumers in the UK and beyond. So, the next time you're craving a delicious Indian meal, give ChefOnline a try and experience the future of Indian food from the comfort of your home!

Innovative Circular Grocery Start-up weekly.shop Receives Investment From Low Carbon Innovation Fund 2 And Turquoise Capital.

weekly.shop (https://www.weekly.shop), the innovative grocery start-up which aims at eliminating throwaway packaging from grocery shopping has secured investment from the Low carbon Innovation Fund (LCIF2) and Turquoise Capital, bringing their total funding to date to over £350k.

The investment comes alongside angels, including key early and senior individuals from the likes of graze.com, Harry’s and Hello Fresh. weekly.shop are also current recipients of a UK Research and Innovation grant to fight plastic waste.

LCIF2 supports innovative businesses dedicated to reducing carbon emissions and minimising environmental impact. Turquoise, the fund manager for LCIF2, shares this commitment to a greener future, specialising in sustainability-focused ventures. On this occasion they have further invested themselves alongside LCIF2.

weekly.shop’s service is the first of its kind in the UK and brings consumers a frictionless way to buy zero waste groceries. It’s a much needed solution, according to Greenpeace figures, nearly 40% of all plastic packaging waste comes from grocery shopping (that's a whopping 886,000 tonnes - 97bn items per year), and only 12% of it is ever recycled.

The weekly.shop pilot is soon to launch in London and this investment will help drive this key development phase as the first customers try the service (the waiting list already has over 750 eager shoppers on it).

A B-Corp Pending, the start-up was the brainchild of cofounders Paul Cooke and Mark Holland, who met when both were in the founding team at successful pet food start-up, tails.com (acquired by Nestle in 2018). As parents of younger children, they were motivated to help build a better future for their (and everybody else’s) kids.

"We’re delighted such experienced and aligned investors have shown belief and conviction in our vision for a new type of grocery shopping. This investment from LCIF2 and Turquoise Capital will help us bring that vision to life" said Cooke.

Holland added, “We’re working to bring about system change and to have large scale impact, having investors who also want to have this kind of impact is very important to us.”

Kevin Murphy, director at Turquoise, commented: “weekly.shop provides a service which enables customers to buy and consume their weekly shop with no packaging waste. We are delighted to make this investment as it fits very well in the investment strategy of LCIF2 into technologies and services helping to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) as there are huge savings to be made by avoiding throwaway packaging on food deliveries.”

Aldi launches pizza delivery service for new Domino's inspired pizzas

Aldi will deliver its new Ultimate Takeaway pizzas in the student cities of Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

The new pizzas are up to 83% cheaper than Domino’s at a very modest £3.99 each.

Delivery slots are available to book in advance from today onwards. And what's more? There are ZERO delivery charges!

Aldi, declared as Pizza Retailer of the Year, has announced it’s about to launch its first ever pizza delivery service across three cities in England, Scotland and Wales, on Tuesday Third of October.

 Serving up its brand-new Ultimate Takeaway range, customers can pre-order pizzas for just £3.99 each, whilst not incurring any delivery charges.

With a medium Meateor pizza from Domino’s currently setting shoppers back at £20.99, plus a £2.50 delivery fee, the Aldi service can save pizza lovers over £19 per pizza delivered, a stunning 83%.

Launching across key student locations across the UK, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff, to coincide with Fresher’s Week, pizza fans within selected postcodes can pre-book their delivery timeslot via the dedicated website, aldipizzadelivery.co.uk, from today onwards.

Within the brand-new Ultimate Takeaway range are three Domino’s inspired flavours: The Meaty One (524g) (inspired by Meateor), a sizzling sausage and meatball feast, The Banger (462g) (inspired by Absolute Banger), a smoky hotdog delight with a spicy kick, and The Texas Style BBQ Chicken & Bacon (502g) (inspired by Texas BBQ), boasting tangy BBQ sauce, succulent chicken and smoky bacon (each £3.99, 8 slices).

The delivery service will let customers select up to two of these delicious new flavours to be delivered hot and fresh to their door. The range, which is Aldi’s most Domino’s-like pizza offering so far, is launching in stores nationwide from Ninth October, so those who can't manage to bag a delivery slot can also grab a to go.

Julie Ashfield, who is the MD of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “With prices of takeaways soaring, we’re really excited and pleased to be able to offer shoppers delicious pizzas at a fraction of the price of the more expensive high-street chains. 

“The quality ingredients and affordable price of the Aldi Ultimate Takeaway range will no doubt change people’s idea of the supermarket pizza.

“Better yet, we’re thrilled to be able to deliver this product hot to shoppers’ doors and truly treat our customers to the full takeaway experience.”

Want a slice of the action?  

Available from today, shoppers can visit aldipizzadelivery.co.uk to pre-book their delivery slot (limited postcodes available for launch)*

Delivery timeslots are from 5pm – 9pm on Tuesday 3rd October

aldipizzadelivery.co.uk is now live for customers to pre-book their delivery slot.

The new Ultimate Takeaway range can be purchased in Aldi stores and via Click & Collect from 9th October. 

www.aldi.co.uk

Tesco celebrates milestone of 500th electric customer home delivery van

Tesco has cemented its position as the UKs top supermarket when it comes to electric home delivery vans by unveiling its 500th electric van. 

The van will see service at the supermarket’s Sheffield Extra store. This is the first store in Yorkshire to have a fully electric fleet. The store runs 14 home delivery vans, making 2,500 deliveries every week.

Since Tesco introduced its first EV home delivery van back in 2020 in Greater London, the electric vehicles powered by clean green energy have replaced 15 million diesel delivery miles. 

Over 30 Tesco stores and centres are now operating fully electric home delivery vans across the UK, helping improve air quality in urban areas and reducing emissions, too.

Tesco’s fleet of 5,500 home delivery vans deliver to 150,000 customers across the UK every single day. 

As part of its aim to become carbon neutral in the UK by 2035, Tesco is fully committed to operating a fully electric home delivery fleet in the UK by the end of 2030. 

By moving the whole UK delivery fleet to cleaner green electric power, it would be equivalent to taking 22,000 cars off the road each year.

Jason Tarry, Tesco CEO UK & ROI, said: “The delivery of our 500th EV home delivery van to our Sheffield Extra store is an important landmark as we move towards a fully electric fleet across the UK by 2030. 

"Making this change will reduce our carbon emissions as a business, improve the air quality for the communities we serve in Sheffield, and help us reach our commitment to be carbon neutral in our own operations by 2035.”

Gill Furniss MP, who is the Member of Parliament for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough, said: “It’s great to see Sheffield have a fully electric dotcom fleet, this is obviously brilliant for the local community.

We know moving to electric vehicles can contribute towards improved air quality and it’s great to see retailers like Tesco making investments like this in our city, Sheffield.”

Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said: “Electric vehicles are a key part of the UK's move to a Green growth economy. It is great to see businesses like Tesco embrace this technology to help make supermarket deliveries more sustainable.

“For its part the Government has supported over 40,000 electric vans and HGVs across the UK through the Plug-in Van Grant, supporting businesses and individuals to decarbonise.”

www.tesco.com

Co-op and Starship Technologies expand robot delivery service across Leeds

Co-op and Starship Technologies have confirmed the expansion of autonomous online grocery deliveries across more neighbourhoods in Leeds in collaboration with Leeds City Council.

Following a successful pilot launched last November, with 20,000 residents within the Adel and Tinshill area of Leeds have access to Starship’s delivery service. Now a further 12,000 households in communities in the Kippax and Swarcliffe areas of Leeds can now access Co-op groceries delivered by robots quickly, easily and conveniently.

Orders are placed via the Starship food delivery app, which is available for download via iOS and Android, with residents in Kippax and Swarcliffe able to choose from a wide range of groceries which are picked fresh from two local Co-op stores, and delivered in the local community.

With a delivery fee starting from only 99p, customers can order their delivery to arrive in under an hour and watch the robot travel in real-time via a special interactive map. They'll receive an alert when the robot arrives, and can meet and unlock it via the app.

Chris Conway, Co-op's eCommerce Director, said: “Co-op stores are well placed in the heart of local communities to provide quick, easy, convenient grocery home deliveries for time-pressed shoppers, whether that is a full shop or, for last-minute top-ups and forgotten items. 

"We're committed to exploring new and innovative ways to increase access to our products and services, and delighted to be able to roll-out robot deliveries to provide further online flexibility and choice for consumers across Leeds.”

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said: “Residents and families of Adel and Tinshill have welcomed Starship robots delivering their groceries, with over three-quarters of survey respondents in support of the introduction of the robots in the area. 

"The expansion to Kippax and Swarcliffe will mean more people in Leeds can benefit from a zero-carbon alternative to grocery deliveries. As a council we’re pleased initiatives like this can help towards reducing the emissions of the last-mile delivery journey. It helps us to meet our pledge of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030 by aiming to reduce short journeys to the shops made by car."

Andrew Curtis, who is the Director of European Operations at Starship Technologies, said: “The feedback we have received since first launching in Leeds last year was overwhelmingly positive and we are very pleased to be able to extend the benefits the robots have provided to an extra 12,000 homes from now on. More and more people are conscious of trying to reduce their carbon footprint and our robots helps them with this by eliminating the need for short car journeys to pick up their groceries.”

Starship’s robots are powered by 100% renewable electricity, with an average delivery for a robot consuming as little energy as boiling a kettle to make just one cup of tea. Time-pressed shoppers use the service for its speed, ease and convenience to fit around their busy lives, including the 24% of Starship’s existing customers in Leeds who either have, or live with someone, who has an accessibility need.

This expansion in Leeds continues robot delivery growth across Yorkshire following the launch of the service with Co-op in areas of Leeds and, in Wakefield earlier in the year. The robots are also familiar and popular sight in other places across the UK, including Trafford (which is in Greater Manchester), Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford and Cambridge.

Since launching commercial deliveries in 2018, Starship’s 2,000+ fleet of robots have safely completed more than five million deliveries around the world, with consumers using the service to save time and fit shopping around their busy lives. Globally, the robots undertake 140,000 road crossings every single day.

I wonder when our local Co-op will get robotic delivery options?

Co-op Partners with Uber Eats

Co-op Members can now earn the same Membership rewards when making purchases via the Uber Eats app as they can in store or through Co-op’s own online shop (shop.coop.co.uk). 

Shoppers can now quickly and easily add their Co-op Membership number into the Uber Eats app at the checkout to earn rewards

The move is a first for Uber Eats in the UK, and becomes available from over 1,000 Co-op stores this month, July.

Co-op members can earn rewards for themselves, and also make a difference  to their local community, by just adding their Co-op Membership number into the Uber Eats app at checkout.

As a co-operative, Co-op is owned by its Members who, when buying selected Co-op groceries, earn rewards for themselves (2p in every pound spent on own-brand products) and for communities, with the convenience retailer giving the same amount (2p in every pound) to help support local causes and community projects throughout the UK.

Community causes include a focus on: bringing people together to access food; helping improve people’s mental wellbeing; the creation of opportunities for younger people to be heard and make a difference and, enabling communities to save and restore nature or tackle climate change. Co-op Members can choose or change the cause they support locally, via Co-op’s exclusive Membership App.

Chris Conway, who is the Co-op’s eCommerce Director, said: “We're clearly committed to developing fast, flexible options online to serve our shoppers quickly, easily and conveniently. It's our aim to grow our membership base by one million new members over the next five years and we believe  this is backed by our compelling member-benefits programme. Our members are at the very heart of the Co-op, and by building on our successful partnership with Uber Eats we're now able to create extra avalue for our Members and for local communities.”

Alex Troughton, Head of Commerce at Uber Eats UK, said: “It’s really great to be able to build on our successful partnership with Co-op, and to allow its Members to earn rewards, and support local community causes and organisations when they use Uber Eats. This is all about using our unique technology to deliver exactly what people want, when they want it and enable them to help out community causes that matter to them.”

Co-op’s partnership with Uber Eats has a focus on ease, convenience and choice, and is available from over 1,000 stores following its launch last year.

Co-op's online offer has expanded rapidly via its own online shop  and with partners including Amazon (Prime); Deliveroo; Just Eat; Uber Eats and, autonomous robot delivery of groceries with Starship Technologies.

Groceries are picked fresh in the local store and delivered quickly and conveniently within the community.

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting coop.co.uk/membership

Sainsbury’s launches first store with fully electric delivery fleet

Sainsbury’s Nine Elms London superstore is now using 110% electric delivery vans, providing zero emission deliveries to its customers.

The new 100% electric fleet will make over 2000 deliveries each week on average, saving 57 tonnes of carbon annually.

It's part of the retailer’s commitment to achieving Net Zero in its own operations by 2035.

Sainsbury’s has announced that its Nine Elms London superstore is now delivering to customers using a fully electric fleet. The new electric vans mean customers’ grocery shopping will be delivered with zero emissions.

The Nine Elms delivery fleet consists of 12 vans, with both the vehicle and fridge units now powered by electricity, so they do not emit carbon emissions or dust, dirt, soot, or smoke into the air. This means the 145,000 households in Sainsbury’s Nine Elms delivery area can receive groceries from vehicles which are helping reduce carbon emissions. The new vans will also operate more quietly, helping cut noise pollution.

Sainsbury’s Nine Elms makes over 2,000 deliveries on average, weekly, covering approximately 1,760 miles, so the new 100% electric vans will help save 57 tonnes of carbon every year, whilst contributing to a significant reduction in air pollution in the local area.

The change is part of the retailers’ transition to operating a fully electric fleet in its stores by 2035, in line with its decarbonisation goals. The new fleet will also help Sainsbury’s achieve its commitment to becoming Net Zero in its own operations by 2035.

Patrick Dunne, who is the Director of Property & Procurement at Sainsbury’s said: “We’re always looking at how we can use the latest technology to best serve our customers, whilst also doing the right thing for the planet.

"We’re really thrilled to have launched a fully electric fleet in our Nine Elms superstore and we hope our customers will be delighted to learn their groceries are being delivered with zero emissions, helping reduce the environmental impact of their online shopping. This is just the first step for us, as we have committed to rolling out electric vans across the country to all our stores by 2035.”

This builds on a string of changes the retailer has made to reduce its carbon emissions and energy usage in its own operations. Last year, Sainsbury’s introduced LED lighting across its entire estate, reducing lighting energy consumption by an average of 70%. 

It also announced the launch of Sainsbury’s Innovation Investments, which will see a minimum of £5 million invested over the next four years into start-up businesses commercialising innovative, sustainable technologies that look to reduce operational carbon emissions. Sainsbury’s currently operates with 100% renewable electricity and by the end of 2023 the retailer projects that up to 40% of its electricity will come from new-to-the-planet wind and solar power.

www.sainsburys.co.uk

Domino’s Launches Meal Deal Wizard - An online tool to help deliver the best possible deal on pizza orders

Domino’s Pizza  has launched a new Meal Deal Wizard to enable customers to get the best possible deal when ordering online. The tool automatically searches all of Domino’s offers and suggests meal deals based on the customer’s order basket.

To access the Meal Deal Wizard, customers simply need to visit www.dominos.co.uk, add the items they’d like to order to their basket and then proceed to the check out.

At the check out screen, customers click on the Meal Deal Wizard button and it will show the best available deal for their order and the savings that can be made. Customers can then chose their preferred deal at the touch of a button and confirm their order.

To find out more or to try the Meal Deal Wizard, log onto www.dominos.co.uk.

Customers in the UK can order online at www.dominos.co.uk and customers in the Republic of Ireland can order online at www.dominos.ie. In addition, mobile customers can order by downloading Domino’s free iPhone, iPad and Android apps.

Reinventing The Takeaway?

Serial entrepreneur Simon Prockter is hoping his latest venture will help change the way we look at takeaway food, for good.

He's about to launch the UK's first gourmet takeaway service – www.housebites.com - starting in London this week.

The site has received six figure backing from a group of private investors, including Bebo co-founder, Paul Birch.

Housebites gives food lovers the opportunity to enjoy individually prepared meals, made by top cooks and delivered straight to their door.

However, whilst the food is of a restaurant quality it won't come with a restaurant price tag, with customers able to pick up a main meal for around the same price as a delivery pizza.

The site has already attracted a wide range of local chefs who have worked at some of the capital's top restaurants including The Ivy, Le Caprice, Barrafina, Fifteen, The Bluebird and The Sanderson Hotel.

In addition seasoned cooks will also be given the opportunity to sell their dishes in their area, regardless of restaurant experience, as long as they pass the taste test.

MasterChef finalist Andy Oliver has also been brought in to advise the site on catering strategy, having previously spent two years working at London's prestigious Nahm restaurant.

Mr Prockter, whose previous ventures include SpeedDater, Europe's largest dating events company and activity holidays firm Adventura, says housebites caters for consumers who demand more from their takeaway.
  

He explains: "'I'd been exploring ideas within the food sector for the last 18 months and whilst so many traditional industries are being disrupted by the internet such as hotels and car-hire, I couldn't see anything great happening in food.

"We believe housebites will change the way people eat, for good. No longer do consumers have to settle for a soggy, cold pizza or a stodgy Chinese takeaway, instead they can eat restaurant quality meals cooked to order by a local chef, for the same price.

"A wide range of dishes will be available including classics such as curry and pizza and we're confident they will be made using superior ingredients and cooking expertise than down the local takeaway."

The site was recently shortlisted for Real Business' Future 50 award, which details Britain's top 50 most exciting start-ups.

Using housebites couldn't be easier with customers entering their post code, browsing the menus of local cooks, placing an order and then waiting a maximum of one hour for the food to arrive. The site promises the highest levels of quality control - just like the Michelin Starred kitchens many of the local chefs have worked in. Cooks will be asked to prove their credentials by cooking a signature dish which will be assessed, before being allowed to expand their menu.

Feedback through social media is a key part of the experience allowing users to rate their food, tweet local cooks, add comments to the Facebook page and interact in forums.

Mr Prockter says not only will the site benefit consumers, it will also offer local chefs a great way to earn a living working from home.

He said: "By working just four days a week local chefs could earn a greater wage than if they were spending the time in a restaurant's kitchen. If they're able to fill orders five days a week they'll make around £65,000 a year, which is a great work from home income.

"We're confident this flexibility and salary will attract more and more top cooks to join the service as time goes on. This will also ensure that the quality of the food on offer will continue to grow as competition for customers increases."

Mr Prockter says he believes his site will make serious inroads into the UK delivered food market which is currently worth £1.6bn and is expected to rise to £2.5bn within three years.

He said: "The market is extremely wide ranging and due to our pricing model we will be competing with a variety of takeaway favourites. The difference is consumers will know exactly what each dish comprises of and also who will be cooking and delivering it, which we believe is a real plus.

"By using the site we think people can eat better and try a wider range of foods, which will cost around the same price as the dishes they've been eating for years."

"The UK market for delivered food is huge and expanding rapidly. We have a quality yet affordable offering and are confident we can capture a significant market share."

Link to the site's Future 50 shortlisting - http://bit.ly/oTweLR

The London Fine Meat Company. Meat to your door

At last, the denizens of South West London can enjoy the luxury of having fresh cuts of fine quality meats delivered directly to their doorss. And just in time for this year's barbecue season, too!

The London Fine Meat Company (LFM) has launched. It's an independent British meat supplier based in the South West London area.

They not only pride themselves on the standard of the meat they supply but can promise to deliver it easily and conveniently to your door ready for you to cook.

LFM has been created and launched by Stuart Ferretti, who is a skilled and knowledgeable local butcher who has worked in the profession for in excess of two decades.

LFM use traditional butchery skills alongside the latest vacuum packing technology in state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities to ensure that the meat is delivered to you in prime condition.

With their pristine premises and modern facilities designed to the highest standards, customers are assured LFM always go above and beyond the basic health, safety and hygiene requirements.

10 great reasons why you should try LFM...
The convenience of having delicious, great value meat delivered to your door (no need to waste time going to several supermarkets to get the cut you want)
Wide range of cuts and sizes available, including a full organic range
Money-saving discounts when you buy one of the meat boxes
100% satisfaction guaranteed (or your money back)
They use the latest technology (and years of experience) to make sure the meat reaches you in perfect condition, every time
Quick and easy-to-use online shop
Orders arrive chilled, ready to cook or freeze, in quantities to suit you
British-sourced meat, which means it's not only fresh but hasn't had to travel thousands of miles before it reaches you
Delivery times to suit you
And do not forget! There is a very welcome 10% DISCOUNT and FREE DELIVERY on your first order!

Stuart is the latest in a family of butchers and he learnt the profession from his father and uncle who created their own business in the late sixties. He later professionally trained with various firms learning modern butchery skills, up-to-date health, safety and hygiene requirements and business practice.

He set up his own business as a catering butcher supplying top notch restaurants, hotels, pubs, restaurants, schools and catering companies which led him to establish, what is now known as, The London Fine Meats Company.

London Fine Meats pride itself on being as ‘green’ as it can possibly be, and they go to great lengths to maintain this. With a passion for the environment and preserving energy and waste, the company uses their own wind turbine to help with power needs, light sensors to prevent the waste of electricity and sensor controlled water taps to monitor and reduce water waste.

They have top-of-the range fridges that are highly efficient within a temperature controlled prep room and they vacuum pack the majority of their products to ensure freshness and to cut down on the amount of packaging used. They are committed to recycling as much as possible and they are working towards having a paper free office. All their products are delivered in returnable poly boxes.

Stuart is firmly convinced that eating a healthy diet with plenty of natural food is very important and therefore LFM does not supply any processed meats and only sells the highest quality organic and some non organic meat. Visit http://londonfinemeats.com.