• Helps consumers buy quality produce direct from local independents
• Gets independent businesses discovered by more local people
• Helps producers and traders sell online easily

It just got easier to shop for food and drink from independent producers, thanks to a brand new online marketplace that is already proving a hit with customers and businesses across the UK.

FLOC Market allows food lovers to get their hands on everything from meat and wine to beers and cakes from independent producers, traders and specialists through one central marketplace.

Inspired by the surge in interest in buying from local food and drink producers, entrepreneurs Lewis Edwards and David Clarke wanted to help independent businesses get online, sell direct to their customers and build an audience of loyal fans. As firm supporters of shopping locally, they hope their platform will support independents to serve the community in a new, innovative way.

Their creation, FLOC Market, launched on April 17th and allows businesses across the country to list products in a virtual store within one central marketplace, saving them the cost and extra work involved in creating their own online shop. It also makes shopping easier for customers, putting everything they need from an array of local businesses all in one place. 

Lewis said: “We wanted to create an online marketplace that would encourage people to use local producers and give independent businesses the chance to easily stand out to potential customers who want to shop local and want to buy quality produce, but aren't always sure where to look.

“The current environment is incredibly challenging for small businesses and it's never been more important to help connect consumers to them via one, easy-to-search place. Many are offering brilliant contactless delivery or click & collect services which help people avoid supermarkets and shop safely in accordance with government guidelines. Our goal is to reduce workloads of already busy independent producers and independents away from admin-heavy duties of answering large numbers of calls, emails and messages.”

With categories including wines, beers, deli, bakery, fresh produce, meats and more, FLOC Market is a one-stop shop for discovering fantastic local food and drinks. Lewis and David are also planning on developing further tools to help people discover new brands and products, as well as helping partners streamline orders from local buyers. 

While FLOC Market is expected to prove especially used during current lockdown restrictions, the service is here to stay and is hoped to encourage the long-term use of independent, local producers with a focus on supporting the local economy and reducing food miles.

Several businesses have already signed up to FLOC Market with customers across the UK already using the online marketplace to buy everything from cured meats to brownies and treats.

Lewis added: “FLOC Market gives businesses their very own store where they can accept payments online, and help manage stock efficiently to maximise profitability. A big benefit is that it also allows businesses to manage delivery of products, both locally and nationally if they serve the whole UK, they can set radius limits and special delivery options to ensure their customers' expectations are met. 

“We appreciate that time is of the essence, so we've made it super easy and cost-effective for businesses to get started. There's no cost to join or set up the shop or products and each order fee is 10% with a 2% transaction fee. 

“On FLOC Market, customers will discover new products and producers by browsing the marketplace but we also give each business a unique ID link that they can share on their own social media channels and use to promote their shop.

“We've already got lots of businesses interested and are looking for more. If you're a small, local independent food and drink business, we want to help you. Get in touch!” 

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Please find attached an image for media use of FLOC Market creators David Clarke (L) and Lewis Edwards (R).
2. Businesses who have already signed up to FLOC Market are available as case studies. Please contact Ellen Manning at empr for details.

• Joining FLOC Market and setting up an online shop is free. Businesses are charged a 10% commission per order plus a 2% transaction fee. For more information on FLOC Market or to sign up visit www.floc-market.co.uk

For more information, images or interviews please contact Ellen Manning at empr - ellen@weareempr.co.uk or 07515 717173.