Dennis Edwards Food Service wholesaler opens up online delivery service to general public

It comes as people are struggling to access online shopping slots due to unprecedented demand at the nation’s supermarkets.

Dennis Edwards Food Service, in Hilsea, is used to providing bulk orders of food to schools, care homes and restaurants.

But bosses have now opened up their service to the region’s residents to ensure people don’t go hungry during the coronavirus crisis.

The company was set up by Dennis Edwards who played for Pompey in the 1960s.

His granddaughter and general manager, Becky Edwards, 25, said: ‘With social distancing and the spread of coronavirus many people are anxious about going out but can’t get an online order with their normal supermarket.

‘If they can, it can be up to a two week wait for delivery.

‘Over the last couple of weeks we have seen a steady increase in the number of people turning to ourselves for online orders.’

Becky feels it is vital people can continue to access home delivery of their groceries - especially as 1.5m highly vulnerable people have been told to stay at home for 12 weeks.

‘People who are elderly and have underlying health conditions are increasingly scared to go out to supermarkets,' she said.

‘To prevent any social contact, our delivery drivers leave all food on the doorstep and there is no cash exchanged with all transactions being done over the phone.

‘We guarantee that any order placed before midday will be delivered to people’s homes the next day.’

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The service is proving so popular the company has now introduced free delivery within a 10-mile radius, as well as a click and collect option for customers who are able to travel.

Becky said: ‘If customers want to collect their food then we bring everything out and put it in their boot.

‘They don’t even have to get out of the car.’

The company’ offers a range of meats, fruit, vegetables, confectionery and non-perishable goods - ranging from budget to high end produce.

Although as a wholesaler they normally sell produce in bulk, Becky is confident that family sized portions are available.

‘The majority of our items are generally available in a wide range of sizes,’ she said.

If you would like to register an online order go to dennisedwards.com/order-online-or-visit-erudus

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