Manchester Veg People- A new practice in fresh produce

by Startacus Admin
So many of us are particular about the food we prepare at home - for some, organic is the order of the day and for others, only high quality locally sourced produce is fit to grace the table. But surely it’s not possible to exercise the same selectivity when it comes to eating out?
One valiant start-up in Manchester thinks it should be - in fact Manchester Veg People have set themselves the Herculean challenge of revolutionising the supply chain of fresh produce to restaurants across the city. Intrigued? Here's a taster of what they are all about...
With the tagline Keeping it fresh, organic and local Manchester Veg People (MVP) comprises a progressive co-op of local organic growers and restaurants operating in partnership to offer fresh seasonal produce to the diners of Manchester. The whole setup is an eco-warrior’s dream as all the veg comes from within 50 miles of Manchester city centre from environmentally sustainable farms dedicated to growing organic produce for the local market. As if that weren't enough, the local distribution and reduced processing is designed to minimize waste, deliver produce which is affordable and make sure that growers are given a fair price for what they supply.
The integrated structure of the co-op, encompasses everyone involved in the food`s journey from seed to plate, and is in keeping with a much wider movement of people across the country, who have become fed-up with the current system of industrial scale food production and distribution. The desire for change is evident in the impressive list of clients MVP has gained since its creation including the University of Manchester and the iconic 8th Day Cafe. The innovative nature of the organisation and the potential it has to develop further is demonstrated by the fact that in their first year they have distributed £22,000 worth of produce. Peanuts in the grand scheme of things perhaps, but take into consideration that thus far most of the co-op’s growth has been on the back of borrowed transport vehicles, storage and office space and this achievement becomes all the more inspiring.
MVP could really be onto something and it seems we're not the only ones who think so, as they have just exceeded the £16,000 crowd-funding target for their “Get the Manchester Food Revolution Moving” campaign. This represents a significant victory for these organic veg advocates and will allow them to expand the co-op and bring fresh local produce to an even greater number of people.
We doff our caps to MVP on their innovative approach to food production and distribution - they are an inspirational example of how new thinking and a challenge to the dominant system can be the start of something great!
If you like this post you might also like:
- Market Direct (online shopping + farmers market)
-
From idea to business launch in 3 months - We chat to Philip Crilly of Eatibbles
If you like what you see here on Startacus, why not become a member of our growing community? It's free! And you'll get all this - exclusive access to our Business Toolkit, discounts and offers galore for your business via our member only business deals, the chance to network and connect with loads of fellow self-starters, and maybe even become our celebrated 'Self-Starter of the Week' and tell the world your startup tale! Join right here for free
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.

Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.

The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.

John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.

The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.

Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.

Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.

London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.

The lowdown on Dublin-based startup and NUI Maynooth spin-out Neuromod Devices and its innovative evidence-based bimodal neuromodulation treatment for chronic tinnitus.

With the clear shift towards generative AI, Richard Hayes, search director at digital marketing agency Catalyst explores what it means for SEO...
Published on: 14th September 2013
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.