A Stellenbosch-based food delivery business, Reap Co, has helped to support 35 small businesses across the Stellenbosch, Somerset West and Cape Town areas, by marketing and distributing these businesses’ products on their platform during the nationwide lockdown.
Reap Co delivers farm-fresh produce, free-range meat products, dairy products, and other artisanal products, directly to their customers’ doors when they order through them, said André Bester*, founder of Reap Co and Stellenbosch University alumnus.
Food delivery business, Reap Co, delivers farm-fresh produce, among other products, straight to their customers’ doors. PHOTO: Facebook/ Reap Co
“I saw a need for the food supply chain to be shortened and for consumers to be connected with local producers, manufacturers and artisans,” said Bester.
When partnering with suppliers, Reap Co prioritises small, local businesses that value sustainability.
During the lockdown period, Bester saw an increase in the number of small local businesses in need of help to sell their products.
“We are so grateful to be in a position to help other small local businesses,” he said.
Two of the local businesses who have partnered with Reap Co, include El Burro Mercado, specialising in Mexican food products, and Outcast Foods, specialising in plant-based foods.
El Burro Mercado is one of Reap Co’s many suppliers. They specialise in Mexican food products. PHOTO: Facebook/ El Burro Mercado
“The support we get from businesses like Reap Co is fantastic, as they help us establish a whole new customer base that we would otherwise find difficult to access,” said Sascha Berolsky, founder of El Burro Mercado.
Berolsky said it is important to support local businesses during this time.
“This will help alleviate the devastating impact on unemployment that has been caused by this pandemic,” said Berolsky.
Small businesses can only benefit from supporting one another, said Guy Greenblat, founder of Outcast Foods.
“No one understands the pressures of running/starting a small business better than a fellow small business in a similar phase,” said Greenblat.
Outcast Foods is another one of Reap Co’s suppliers. They specialise in plant-based food products. PHOTO: Facebook/ Outcast Foods
Lockdown brings loyal customers
Reap Co saw an increase in customers during the lockdown period. According to Bester, these customers were looking to buy fresh produce without having to go to grocery shops.
“[During] the first two weeks, we were overwhelmed, receiving in excess of 50 enquiries a day,” he said.
According to Bester, the customers they attracted at the beginning of lockdown continue to make use of their service.
Customer Nadine Snyman said that she started using Reap Co’s services during lockdown because of the “frustration of struggling to get decent fresh produce in shops” and to avoid standing in long queues.
“I will definitely use them even after lockdown. Convenient, great service, great products,” said Snyman.
Reap Co also prioritises reducing food waste.
“We are proud that to date we have not thrown away any edible food,” said Bester, adding that they donate all excess food to members of the community in need.
*Please note: This is not the source’s real name. The source has requested to remain anonymous.
Food delivery business, Reap Co, has farm-fresh eggs and artisanal bread included in their offering. PHOTO: Facebook/ Reap Co