In addition to supporting independent local businesses and promoting cooperative and community principles, Essential has been supplying buying groups nationwide for many years.
Some are smaller groups of friends and relatives who have got together so that they can shop ethically in a more affordable way, while others are larger community consumer co-ops. They all find it beneficial to buy in bulk as it may reduce costs, cut food miles and lessen wasteful packaging and processing. There’s also the satisfaction of being involved in the local community.
Offering an alternative to supermarkets has other benefits. These include increased control of where your food comes from, supporting ethical food production, and gaining access to a wider selection of goods, including produce suitable for dietary requirements that may not be easily available nearby.
To open an account with us you will need:
Essential offers a complete online ordering system tailored especially for buying groups, with the use of ‘order pads’, which can be used to create separate shopping lists for different group members.
We can deliver to most parts of the UK either in our fleet of vehicles or by using an external transport company. Our own-vehicle drivers are members of our co-operative which helps us to ensure the highest quality in customer care and driver welfare.
Buying Group minimum order values start at £300 and are postcode-dependent; you will be informed of your delivery day and minimum order during your application process.
If you're ready to proceed please complete our Buying Group application.
If you have further queries with regards to starting an Essential account please contact our New Business team here:
Tel: 0117 9430812 | Email: newbiz@essential-trading.coop