Home-grown to takeaway!

Over recent years many farms have embraced the phenomenon of the farm shop. These range from the most basic, cash-only, seasonal selection of produce grown or reared on the farm itself, through to elaborate shops that incorporate, as well as food and drink, butchers, cafes, restaurants, plants, flowers and crafts too. Some of the more high-end offerings attract an equivalent audience and their pricing often reflects this.

Unfortunately, these destination enterprises – like the whole hospitality sector – have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. Interestingly though, as these are usually independent businesses, many of them have been able to adapt to the current situation and pivot their business – in sometimes surprising ways.

Shop online and home delivery

With farm shops often offering produce that cannot be purchased in your local supermarket, many farm shops have found that providing an online service is the way forward. This was particularly the case if it included zero-contact home delivery, which has enabled their customers to remain loyal and their trade to continue throughout the pandemic. With websites and social media offering cost-effective marketing solutions, even the smallest of farm shops have been able to showcase their produce in an online format.

‘Afternoon tea in a box’ and other delicacies

Again, entertainment options have been severely limited over the last year and some of the more innovative farm shops and cafes have capitalised on this. Offerings like ‘Afternoon Tea in a Box’ or ‘Sunday Roast’ delivered to your door – or multiple doors if you arrange a virtual tea party with your friends, family or work colleagues – have grown hugely in popularity.

Don’t just drive by

The farm shop drive-thru has really become a phenomenon since the pandemic, with everything from vehicle collection of burgers and beers, to ice cream, coffee and cake growing in popularity!

It is a sign of the times and also a testament to the quality of the food on offer that many farm shops and cafes have managed stay afloat and even to thrive, despite the situation we have found ourselves in. And some things like the drive-thru and the home delivery look set to last long after the pandemic is over.

At Forge Property Consultants, we feel very fortunate to be able to work with owners and buyers on some of our most treasured rural assets and to put our extensive knowledge at your disposal. If you’d like to find out more about what diversification opportunities are open to you – such as farm shops and the sale of home-grown produce – then get in touch with our experts today.