Cambridge Fruit Company
14 Robert Davies Court, Nuffield Road, Cambridge, CB4 1TP
wewantfruit@cambridgefruitcompany.com
Neil Bharadwa launched the Cambridge Fruit Company in 2005, successfully supplying quality fresh fruit and veg boxes to workplaces across Cambridgeshire. It’s very much a family business, with Neil’s sister Nisha joining about three years in – it turns out the siblings make a great team. Mum and Dad live just around the corner too, and Mum regularly drops in with samosas for lunch.
When the Covid 19 pandemic hit, and their sales to local offices virtually disappeared overnight, Neil understandably thought the business was close to collapse. But never one to give up easily, Neil responded quickly and with his typical energy and positivity.
To regain some of his trade, he set about pivoting the business to serve local residents instead of his traditional corporate customer base. People started ordering fruit and veg boxes and they continue to do just that! In the first two months of switching the business, Neil and his hardworking team fulfilled an incredible 4,000 domestic orders. They also received more than 250 donations to fulfil boxes which were delivered to families in need via the Red Hen Project, and took over 400 boxes to NHS frontline staff.
Also keen to champion other local businesses, Neil added a whole host of great produce from other indies to his offering from kitchen staples like bread and dairy, to tempting sweet treats and now goodie-filled hampers too. And with their easy-to-use subscription service, it’s literally a piece of cake to get fabulous, fresh food delivered direct to your door.
So, here they are today, moving forward as a strong local indie business. Offices are seeing employees return to the workplace so corporate orders are increasing, and the Cambridge Fruit Company continue to serve their community and build their future ready for the next chapter.