Exeter-based Veg in a Box, a local farm-to-doorstep produce business, has issued a heartfelt plea to its community amid a severe drop in orders threatening its survival. Julie and Bela Corcutt, who operate the business from their Devon farm, shared on Facebook that their once-thriving venture is nearing a breaking point due to dwindling customer demand.
The concept took root when the couple prepared a vegetable box as a gift for a friend’s birthday, which quickly gained traction among shoppers eager to support local farmers and enjoy fresh, seasonal produce delivered directly to their homes.
While Veg in a Box weathered the pandemic’s challenges, the post-lockdown period has been far more taxing. Between sporadic weather disruptions and a sharp decline in repeat orders, the business now has only two orders confirmed for the upcoming week—a number far too low to cover operational costs.
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Julie explained, “Sadly, there are not enough orders coming in to keep the business running. I can’t afford rent, electricity, staff wages, or stock without a steady flow of orders. Two orders simply won’t sustain us.”
She added that orders have steadily decreased over the last three months, prompting the difficult decision to pause operations temporarily starting next Friday if conditions do not improve. Julie shared that she and Bela have taken on second jobs to maintain the business, but health issues and mounting stress have made continued operation impossible without increased support.
Despite the difficulties, the couple plans to fulfill existing commitments, such as Christmas orders from their dedicated ‘Christmas Club’ members. Julie also mentioned the possibility of trialing new product options, including a £35 box featuring fruit, vegetables, salad, and eggs, as well as a potential £50 meat box. Plans to reduce operational days and switch off refrigeration equipment were also floated as cost-saving measures.
The community response has been supportive. Customers praised the quality and value of their first Veg in a Box deliveries and offered suggestions including smaller box sizes, mixed meat and vegetable options, subscription services, and flexible portion sizes aimed at varying household needs.
Encouraged by this feedback, Julie conveyed her appreciation: “Thank you all for your kind words. I’m feeling quite worn down, but I’ve listened and I’m willing to make changes.”
She outlined an upcoming trial of a weekly £35 fruit, vegetable, and salad box available every Wednesday, with menus adjusting regularly to accommodate seasonal produce like peaches, raspberries, nectarines, peas, runner beans, and courgettes.
As Veg in a Box faces an uncertain near-term future, Julie, Bela, and their team remain hopeful that community support and new ideas will help revive this valued local service.