An independent food wholesaler in Derby has launched a home delivery service for its fresh produce after being handed a six-figure loan.
Zest Food Service, based in Haydock Park Road, has been able to diversify thanks to the £200,000 boost secured from Lloyds Bank via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
The business normally supplies fruit, vegetables and other fresh produce to the canteens of companies and restaurants, as well as schools and hotels. It also offers a wholesale service to the retail trade.
However, the coronavirus lockdown has had an impact on the business, which has led to it diversifying into home delivery.
Initial demand has been strong, which has led Zest to run pop-up shops in Derby and its suburbs.
Managing director Matthew Gummer said: "Not only has this new funding allowed us to adapt and launch a new service to boost revenue but it has meant that we can continue to support operational customers where the need for fresh food is absolutely essential, such as care homes.
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"The team at Lloyds helping us to trade through this difficult period and their help will mean we can resume our growth journey once we come through the other side of the pandemic."
Christopher Pell, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: "The agility of the team at Zest has been remarkable. They have acted fast to diversify in the face of extreme challenge, all while continuing to serve their most in-need customers.
"We’re working hard to help companies just like this navigate the disruption caused by Covid-19 and remain committed to being by their side, especially during this unprecedented period."