When it comes to food, word of mouth is everything.
Isidore Foods, a farm-to-table operation, is expanding into Ohio--Columbus and Cleveland--with the help of a $120,000 investment by
The Progress Fund, a community development lender. For founder David Eson, the expansion marks a turning point for his booming organic food business.
Eson began the company in his Mt. Lebanon home four years ago. Having grown up on an Ohio farm, he dreamed of finding a streamlined way to deliver farm-fresh produce and goods year-round to customers. Today Isidore is one of the largest online food marketing-distribution companies in the area, with 1,500 customers to date who place orders year-round, online by subscription or a la carte.
"We're hoping to double in size this year and keep growing," says Eson. "Year-round is our niche. We are growing by leaps and bounds because all our happy customers are telling their friends and neighbors. "
Being online keeps the company lean and the inventory tight, and farmers are reaping the benefits, as it should be, he adds.
Isidore Foods relies on a growing network of farms, many Amish, within a 100 mile radius of Pittsburgh and a unique online distribution model. Orders are placed online by Sundays and are delivered to established drop off locations throughout the region. Fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese and dairy are all available, according to the season.
The company operates on 34%, giving 60% back to the farmer, a more profitable exchange than what most retail stores offer growers. The remaining 6% goes to the St. Isidore Fund in donations to public and private groups. Isidore Foods employs two full-time and four part-time, although the expansion may push them to full-time.
"For farmers, someone like me is perfect," says Eson. "The leverage point is farmers need sales and consumers need sourcing for local stuff. I'm not beating farmers down on price and consumers know where the food is coming from. It's pretty simple."
Writer:
Deb SmitSource: David Eson, Isidore Foods