FollowThe little Island of Sark in the British Chanel is still holding out against the use of cars and is one of the few places left on earth that actually outlaw their use. However, the approximately 600 residents of the small British Channel Island do have a difficult time of getting groceries as they have but a few small grocers to supply all their needs. Food Stop will now be carrying products from Waitrose which should help to meet the demands of those who live there.
Tractors and Horses Only Please
The only ‘vehicles’ allowed by law on the streets of the Island of Sark are tractors, horse-drawn carts and of course, the horses themselves. Those few stores which the island boasts are not able to meet the demands of the residents so this will be huge in terms of getting food products to the locals. It is interesting to note that the frozen, chilled and store shelf products will be brought to Food Stop on pallets loaded on a cart and driven in by tractor – the only mode of transportation allowed other than horses.
Mother and Daughter Team Gain Fame on the BBC2
Also brought in will be other Waitrose products such as fresh fruits, vegetables, pasta and olives. These will also be loaded on pallets such as those offered at Universal Pallets, and brought in by tractors. The Food Stop shop is run by Nikki and Julie Baker, a mother and daughter team who appeared on An Island Parish on BBC2 and gained national notoriety. During the show it was told how food is loaded on those pallets and brought over via Guernsey by sea to the Channel Islands.
Sark Residents Had Been Taking Day Trips
When Nikki noticed that a great number of residents were making trips to Guernsey so they could shop at branches of Waitrose, she decided it would be good if they could stock some of their products. It seemed as though the residents were looking for the Waitrose own-label goods and this would not only make it easier on the locals but would keep more revenue on the island. She didn’t want them to “travel so far” to get the items they favour.
Waitrose Products at Food Stop a Win-Win Venture
Since the tractor-driven deliveries have started, Baker says it has been a great success. She is happy to have items they’ve not carried before, like fresh pasta, which apparently is a sentiment enjoyed by the residents of Sark as well. In fact, the locals even keep track of delivery dates and things are gone “off the shelves” almost as soon as they arrive, according to Baker.
However, the Bakers aren’t the only ones happy about the venture. According to Waitrose’s Director of Business to Business, David Morton, this has given the Waitrose label a great opportunity. Now with the ability to sell their products in Sark, the Waitrose own-brand sells more and the locals have greater access.
