Recipes

Katikati Advertiser article

Posted On: 2014-02-10 14:55:42

A Katikati business renowned for truly fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables is moving with the times, offering the public the opportunity to buy products online.

Established local market garden, The Onion Vegie Place has extended its operation launching a fresh, new website Growlink.

Manager Scott Julian-Shaw says the website is very user-friendly and easy to use. Customer feedback has been positive.

People buy with their eyes, says Leigh Noble, operations manager at The Onion Vegie Place on SH2, south of Katikati.

"Growlink webpages are clean and easy to navigate. Notes on health benefits are backed up by New Zealand scientists."

There is a new breed of consumer, bypassing the supermarket for fresh, local produce, says Scott.

"Growlink's real strength is the emphasis we place on seasonality and true freshness. What we don't grow, we source locally."

Scott says they have a long term relationship with local growers and suppliers.

"All of our grocery section is sourced from reputable and reliable local suppliers."

There are many benefits to online shopping, but what's so great about our website, says Scott, is that you choose what you want and what you like, rather than getting produce you don't like or want.

Over 50 per cent of their customers are over the age of 55, which has surprised Scott.

"It is good to see so many of our customers are familiar with today's technology."

Dedicated to healthy eating and sharing information about nutritional benefits, by simply clicking on any of the photos of the fruit and vegetables are links to articles about that product. To personalise the website, the familiar people in the photos work at The Onion Vegie Place.

"The website has a recipe section, so you can see some of our favourite recipes and be inspired," says Scott.

Not only can you order online using your computer, laptop or tablet, but also with modern day smartphones. Simply download an app to place an order.

"Our loyal customer base loves the option of revisiting their last order and being able to adjust it, rather than clicking on every individual item each time you order," Scott says.

Orders are placed, made up and delivered to the door or workplace in the afternoon of the scheduled day of delivery between Mount Maunganui and Waihi Beach.

Growlink is also on facebook, which enables customers to stay up to date with specials and see our latest additions. Being an online store we are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, Scott adds.

Truly fresh means just that at The Onion Vegie Place. Genuine 'New New' Ilam Hardy potatoes mean that they are genuinely, newly harvested and freshly dug, as opposed to old potatoes that have been stored in the ground and then dug up, explains Leigh.

"The potatoes are thin skinned which means you can scrape the skin off and go great with a dollop of butter.

"It is important to store these potatoes in a cool, dark place as it is so easy for these potatoes to go green due to the thin skins. Potatoes that have been stored in the ground do not have thin skins and go soft quickly."

Fresh eggs (including duck eggs), relishes, chutneys (locally made in small batches) and locally sourced honeys are also available.

To find out more visit www.growlink.co.nz

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