Veggie Drop, a new organic produce business in Ottawa, is now selling and delivering organic food at prices that are cheaper than grocery stores.
Launched in June, the business offers a variety of organic produce such as fruit, vegetables, and nuts that are available to order online. The goal of Veggie Drop is to make organic food affordable while supporting local farms in Ontario and Quebec by using them as suppliers, said Deanna Saatcioglu, Carleton alumna and founder of Veggie Drop.
“On average, our produce is at least 20 per cent cheaper than grocery stores, we also have an option where if you buy in bulk the savings are even greater,” Saatcioglu said.
Saatcioglu said she decided to start the business after being disappointed in both the price and variety of organic food options in Ottawa.
“Me and my husband lived in Calgary for awhile and on the west coast there is a lot more variety for organic produce,” she said. “When I moved back to Ottawa I found that the variety was very limited and the prices were high. I wanted to change this, so I decided to start my own company.”
Saatcioglu said the business has been a success so far and she has been getting good feedback from customers. The business has a wide range of customers, including vegans, vegetarians, and cancer patients whose doctors have recommended organic diets, she said.
Liesje Rolia, a third-year architecture student, expressed interest in the business.
“This business is extremely beneficial for students because it supports healthy eating habits while keeping in mind the time restrictions students have,” she said.
Matthew Edwards, a third-year humanities student, agreed.
“I would definitely make use of this service, especially in Ottawa given our inclement weather and the time consumption and effort of going out and getting groceries when you don’t have a car,” he said.
Irena Knezevic, a Carleton professor specializing in health and food systems, also supports the new business.
“Any effort to make fresh produce more easily accessible to consumers is always welcome,” she said. “Convenience plays a major role in our food choices, and Veggie Drop seems to really tap into that.”
Although business has been steady with a range of loyal customers, making a profit from selling organics at reduced prices has been one of Saatcioglu’s main challenges.
“My margins are not great right now but they aren’t terrible. Of course I have challenges regarding finances, but honestly to me this whole concept wasn’t about making money. I just want to make organic food affordable and keep the business afloat,” she said.
Saatcioglu hopes to expand the business throughout the rest of Canada in coming years.
