Edinburgh’s online market produce passes the taste test

A new online farmers’ market has been launched with the aim of reconnecting shoppers in the Capital with independent food and drink producers in the Edinburgh area.

TasteBack founders Madalina Dichiu and Codrin Platon

With the introduction of TasteBack, Madalina Dichiu and her partner Codrin Platon also hope to secure a future for struggling local artisans - during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond.

With no queues, no contact and a full home delivery service, they believe there is no better way to shop.

“During these difficult times and with the closure of farmers’ markets and restaurants, small producers have been hit hard,” says co-founder Madalina. “We’ve decided to launch the TasteBack platform as a way for them to reach their market online and sell their products directly to people who live in Edinburgh.

“This is also an opportunity for communities to reconnect with local producers and have easy access to tasty food, made with natural ingredients, directly from those who make it.” Since opening for business at the beginning of May, the virtual marketplace has been offering a wide range of goods, including fruit and veg, mozzarella and milk, smoked salmon, gluten-free beer, natural sea salt from Isle of Skye, jams and juices, and fresh traditional Argentinian pastries.

Operated by the TasteBack team, the delivery service allows shoppers in EH1 to EH17 postcodes to choose a slot - on a Saturday or Sunday - to receive their order at home.

By supporting small producers, Madalina believes shoppers will be helping to ensure they are still around and still producing next year.

She adds: “We believe in a food system that doesn’t let us down when we need it most. Supermarkets cannot cope with home deliveries and at the same time small-scale food producers are struggling to reach their market.

“Shopping directly from them will ensure that they’ll be able to survive the current situation.”

www.tasteback.co.uk

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