AS the pandemic continues to disrupt hospitality businesses, a Maldon entrepreneur is supporting independent food producers with his new venture.

Concerned by the pandemic’s impact on smaller food businesses in Essex, businessman and avid foodie Charlie Fillingham, has launched the Saltmarsh Deli – Essex’s first and only online grocery delivery service dedicated to dropping off goods from local, independent food producers to homes across the county.

“Essex has so much to offer food-lovers like myself, but the pandemic is really disrupting smaller businesses from reaching their customers”, said Charlie, who launched the Saltmarsh Deli this month.

“I want to help give local food producers some extra support, while opening Essex residents up to the amazing variety of delicious food and drink made here in our home county.”

Customers can browse the Saltmarsh Deli’s offering of more than 300 food and drink products – sourced from more than 30 suppliers located along the Saltmarsh Coast – and pick a delivery slot of their choosing.

Well-known local employers such as Wilkins of Tiptree, Maldon Salt and Wicks Manor are listed alongside many smaller makers of fresh pies and pre-prepared meals, artisanal baked goods, coffee, beers and wines, and vegetarian and vegan options.

Although launching a business during lockdown has not been easy, Charlie says he is spurred on by customers’ enthusiasm for supporting local businesses from the convenience of their own homes.

He said: “Our customers know that buying high-quality products made in Essex protects local jobs while keeping their ‘food miles’ down.

Research has shown that for every £10 spent locally, up to an additional £50 goes back into the local economy.

Charlie added: “Behind every product we stock are the people that make it great. Buying local means you get something delicious from supporting them.”

The Saltmarsh Deli has been launched in conjunction with the Keep it Local campaign being launched through Maldon District Council’s Sense of Place initiative, with funding from the Magnox Decommissioning Fund.