Grocery firm steps up next-day service to Easter Ross homes
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A Highland online grocery firm launched this year is seeking to improve its service by providing next-day deliveries to much of Easter Ross.
Ness Valley is aiming to offer a quick, easy and alternative way to satisfy online grocery shopping needs.
In tune with changes in consumer buying amid social distancing and stay-at-home policies, a range of more than 700 products is available.
These include fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese and dairy, pantry essentials, bread and cakes, baking ingredients, chilled goods, soft drinks, wines, craft beer and Scottish spirits. A majority of orders now include next-day delivery in modern, temperature-controlled vehicles.
Managing director Gary Williamson explained: “Over the last six months we have worked hard to refine our online ordering and technical systems to make it as convenient as possible for local householders to do their shopping locally.
“As we continue to face uncertain times, we hope to grow Ness Valley as a good value, high quality and user-friendly grocery shopping experience for local people.”
Ness Valley provides free delivery subject to a modest minimum order value to Inverness, Dingwall, Strathpeffer, Evanton, Alness, Conon Bridge, Muir-of-Ord, Beauly, Nairn and most rural areas in between.
The emphasis is on Scottish and local brands and produce such as family dairy Graham’s, Mackie’s crisps and Barr soft drinks, Connage Cheese, Maclean’s Highland Bakery and Murdoch Brothers butchers.
Mr Williamson stressed: “As a bulk food and drink supplier to over 100 retail outlets in the wider Highlands and Islands, we have a good handle on what the end consumer is looking for, whether it is a small family-friendly box of dried herbs or a case of craft beer.
“Given the growth in awareness of healthy and artisan eating, we are confident the new Ness Valley service will be an attractive proposition for shoppers in the longer term. This will continue to support Scottish food and drink producers and protect local jobs too.”
Ness Valley is part of Williamson Foodservice, which has a 60-year track record in supplying the north of Scotland with wholesale food and drink.
Mr Williamson added: “Fresh produce, chilled goods and perishables with a specific shelf life need to be handled carefully. Our facilities in Inverness guarantee goods reach customers in the best condition possible and we take pride in our attention to detail, friendliness and efficiency.”
