100 Disruptive Brands 2017

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2016

Farmdrop

Farmdrop has tapped into growing consumer demand for local produce and the pressing need for a better deal for producers, by developing an online farmers’ market that cuts out the middleman, namely supermarkets.

The website was launched in London in 2014 by ex-Morgan Stanley stockbroker Ben Pugh (pictured) after he raised £750,000 investment on Crowdcube.

The aim was to increase profits for local farmers and reduce waste, with farmers and foodmakers receiving 70% to 75% of the retail price from Farmdrop, compared to the 25% to 50% it claims most retailers offer them.

Consumers, meanwhile, receive food that is “five times fresher” than supermarket produce. The business only delivers to a London audience so far, but it is gaining customers at a rate of 230% year-on-year.

In October 2015, Farmdrop raised a further £500,000 via a consortium of angel investors including Alex Chesterman, founder of Zoopla, and in January 2016 announced a further £3m investment led by the investment company Atomico.

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