Organic food fans open shop in Longridge

An entrepreneurial family from Lancashire has made the bold decision to open a new business during lockdown.

There were queues outside the door this morning at Bowland Organics.

Charmaine McKee, who runs the Longridge-based business with her son, shares her passion for organic food and believes there is a gap in the market.

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Charmaine McKee at Bowland Organics Photo: Neil Cross

Charmaine said she changed her diet to organic about four to five years ago and feels better about it.

But for many years, she and her husband had to travel to West Lancashire to buy organic fruits and vegetables and other supplies each week.

She said her interest in organic food started when her husband decided he didn’t want to eat pesticide-treated food. She followed his example and said, “It’s better for you and he feels healthier and so do I. We started investigating things ”.

She said they were amazed by what they learned about food additives and ingredients and were determined to see what they could do to help themselves with their health by being picky about what they eat.

Products on display on Bowland Organic opening day Photo: Neil Cross

Charmaine was pleased that her son also began to take an interest in his diet and chose to eat organic food as well.

The idea of ​​opening a store kept coming back and conversations with friends and family underscored the demand for such a business. They saw the opportunity when business premises became vacant at Berry Lane, Longridge.

Speaking a few hours after opening, he said: “There was a gap in the market. Everybody keeps saying we need this round here.

The store offers organic fruits and vegetables, organic cheeses, sourdough bread, Suma canned goods, non-dairy and vegan foods, including desserts. They also plan to start a vegetable box service.

Dry products such as walnuts and lentils will also be on sale.

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The new store sign on Berry Lane, Longridge