New ‘Foodistry’ service launched in Pudsey to unite local traders online

'Foodistry' is the brainchild of Pudsey resident James Crabtree - who wants to help local businesses survive and thrive amid the Covid pandemic.

The website will host products from each individual retailer on a website, where customers can pick and choose their favourites in their 'basket'.

The customers are then able to choose a delivery slot on a day and time that is convenient for them - with staff collecting the items in a bundle before completing the delivery.

Despite only launching today, James has a range of businesses from across the town on board.

Bentleys Butchers of Pudsey, Jayne’s fruit and veg from the market, FAB (Foodistry Artisan Bakery) in conjunction with the SB Artisan Bake House, The Pudsey Milkman, Lina’s Luscious Cakes and Crooked Brewing are all being hosted on the online platform.

James, speaking exclusively to the Yorkshire Evening Post on the day of launch, said he wanted to "inspire and promote local".

James said: "We don't just want to offer local groceries and deliver them to your door, we want to inspire and promote local, uniting people through a common interest of food.

"The great local suppliers of Pudsey and the surrounding areas produce some fantastic products, a brilliant service and dedication.

"From the talented butchers and bakers, through to the hard working and knowledgeable greengrocers, we want to unite them all under one easy roof, all of which you can have delivered straight to your doorstep."

James said the concept had quickly developed into the "easy-to-use" website.

He added: "People can choose products from their favourite local suppliers like Bentleys Butchers and Jayne’s fruit and veg and pay for them all in one go.

"The customer’s order will then be delivered to their door in a wooden crate which is handmade from reclaimed wood to reduce our carbon footprint.

"There has been a huge shift recently for everyone in terms of how we now shop.

"With longer queues for supermarkets, emptying shelves and limited delivery slots, people have also turned to cooking and baking at home and re-evaluating where they buy their food from.

"Supporting local communities and shops during the pandemic is as important for us as it is you.

"We are a proud community that looks out for each another, and Foodistry is a small extension of that."

James said he hopes to establish the business with more traders becoming involved - while "putting his customers first".

He added: "We will be working hard to build on what we have done ensuring that we are putting our customers first.

"We have had lots of enquires already from other local food suppliers and we are looking forward to working with them over the coming months to offer a wider range of products."

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