Halifax food business adapts to offer home deliveries during coronavirus lockdown

In late March with the pandemic of COVID-19, Cottage Foods customer base practically closed overnight due to the restrictions put in place by the government, forcing the management team to make some quick decisions.

The customer base before the lockdown focused on the West Yorkshire Food service community including cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, family entertainment, schools and institutions.

At pace, the Cottage Foods team, based near Dean Clough, adapted their business operation and range of over 500 lines, focusing on doorstep home deliveries.

Since late March Cottage Foods has delivered to over 700 households along with a further 100 families choosing the click and collect option. Their focus has remained on helping vulnerable and at-risk members of our Yorkshire community through this difficult and uncertain period where leaving the house for groceries and essentials has been difficult or too high risk and usual supermarket delivery slots are sparse, always ensuring their orders are prioritized.

Not only has this change benefitted those in need, it has allowed Cottage Foods to continue to trade and provide employment for the bulk of its locally based team, some of whom have been with the business for over 15 years.

Cottage Foods has added over 50 new lines to help meet the demands of shoppers and continues to evolve and expand their range daily to suit the demand.

“This quick change in terms of business model has presented a number of operational challenges along with an adaptation and upgrade of online ordering, delivery scheduling and order processing,” said Jen White, from the business.

“Cottage Foods adaptation to the rapidly changing circumstances in the UK has demonstrated how businesses can adapt quickly to a changing consumer environment and how smaller SME’s can meet a national calling when often overlooked by local and national government.”

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