LOVERS of fine food will today be picking up their first orders through a pilot scheme in York.

The Pickering-based distribution service for small-scale food producers, Moorsfresh, is making the delivery to Evening Press employees in Walmgate. Moorsfresh is setting up an office delivery service, with customers making their orders online.

Nigel Brotherton, one of four shareholders in the family business, explained: "Moorsfresh started up in November as a way to supply good food to local retailers. Coincidentally, that was when the Evening Press started its Eat Local Campaign, so I contacted the Press, they were very supportive and agreed to be the first firm to join our delivery service."

Nick Taylor, marketing director, says: "Orders will have to be placed by 3pm on the Tuesday, we then place those orders with a supplier. This has to be done quite early in the week because many of the products have to be hand-made to order. The first orders are being delivered today for customers to pick up and take home after work."

He adds: "The service gives an opportunity to working people who would otherwise have limited opportunities to pick up products which might only be available in delis, or at farmers' markets one day a month, and which are not available in supermarkets. Prices are very reasonable as we are dealing directly with farmers and there are no middlemen."

There is no minimum order or delivery charge for Evening Press employees, as making a big drop at one centre is a cost-efficient way for Moorsfresh to work.

At the moment there are around 2,500 products, from organic vegetables, meats such as venison and duck, sausages, cheeses, fruit juices, beers, smoked products and fruit wines. Many of the distributors are farmers determined to diversify from their traditional source of income.

Moorsfresh aims to give local producers the chance to compete on a level playing field with some of the larger organisations.

Nick says: "I'm sure that people will be very impressed with the quality. Once they get into the routine of ordering the products we will be able to build on that with various promotions."

Moorsfresh will be contacting offices across York and North Yorkshire to promote the service.

To reach the new office delivery website, visit www.moorsfresh.co.uk, then click on the link 'Go Shopping'.

Updated: 09:47 Friday, January 24, 2003