A Leicestershire food wholesaler which supplies the restaurant trade has found a way to survive despite the closure of eateries across the country.
Ocean King, based at Loughborough, was severely impacted following the introduction of coronavirus lockdown measures by the Government, which included the closure of restaurants and pubs.
However, since then, the independent wholesaler and distributor of fresh and frozen food has adapted its offer.
The company’s managing director, Steven Thai, quickly decided to refocus his business and set-up a retail arm called BeFood to safely deliver restaurant quality food to local homes.
After three weeks of trading, BeFood has delivered nearly 150 orders, including donations to a number of local businesses supporting vulnerable people through the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Thai said: “The Government announcement to close all restaurants severely impacted our core business.
“We were determined to keep going through the crisis and play our role in our local community.
“As we saw the queues for supermarkets and the need for more home deliveries to those in vulnerable circumstances, we decided to open our range of fresh food and produce to our local community.
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“We initially started selling food direct to customers from our premises but as demand kept growing, we set up a new website in a matter of days.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response and the positive feedback we’ve received, especially from those customers who are missing their usual Thai and Chinese takeaway favourites.
“We’re also very proud to support two local hotels, the Cedars and the Charnwood Lodge Hotel, who are providing accommodation to the homeless and vulnerable during this challenging time. Every month we’re dropping off a food parcel to support them.”
Despite the launch of BeFood, Ocean King has taken a big hit from the coronavirus lockdown - but Mr Thai said he was confident the business would bounce back once restrictions are lifted.
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He said: “Ocean King was on target to have its best year yet before the coronavirus struck.
“Our sales are now down by about 90 per cent. We employ 30 people and unfortunately have had to furlough 60 per cent of our staff.
“We’re confident though that as soon as restrictions lift, our business will come back just as strong as the restaurants re-open their doors.”