SUCCESS is “in the bag” for a long-established Tottington fruit and veg firm which is taking on the supermarkets in a diversification of its business.

After 35 years working strictly within the wholesale trade, Hallows Produce have launched a subsidiary Brown Bag Company home delivery service to supply a range of foodstuffs and other goods direct to the public.

So far, more than 150 households have signed up and they can either place their orders by phone or online.

The business, based in Mitchell Street, has taken on an additional four employees to add its 16-strong workforce.

Mr Nigel Hallows, who runs both companies, said: “For the past 35 years, Hallows have been dealing with the catering trade, supplying fruit, veg, salad and dairy produce, sourced as locally as possible. We supply to pubs, hotels, bakeries, schools and nursing homes.

“Now, our Brown Bag Company supplies local households with fruit and veg as well as meat and dairy products at wholesale prices.”

Mr Hallows said: “We’re cutting out the middle man. We feel that supermarkets have a bigger buying power but yet they are still charging 20 per cent or 30 per cent more. Orders placed with us before 10pm will be delivered next day between 5pm and 9.30pm. We deliver six days a week.”

The business, which is affiliated to a top class butcher for the supply of meat, has also been listening to requests from clients who have asked the Brown Bag Company to expand its range of goods. “We now supply fruit, veg, salad, meat and fish and have started to sell different types of wine. We’re also looking at toilet rolls and bottled water.”

Mr Hallows also hopes to extend the delivery area territory and is encouraged by the response from customers. “People tell me the quality is fantastic and they’re happy with the service and the personal touch we offer.”

For more details visit brownbagcompany.

co.uk