Fresh Direct

Fresh Direct has reduced its landfill by 90% in the last 12 months

FD invested early in the Euro 4 policy throughout fleet
- lowering carbon emissions on the 4 main pollutants
- gearing towards an improvement of 30% on the previous policy
By Q3 of 2008 we ensured 40% of our fleet could run off biofuel
Our Carbon Reducing Calculator (CRC)
- monitoring emissions, mileage, and poor driving
- aids our Transport team with more responsible decisions
Backhauling for reduced ‘pallets of air’
- offering collaborative supply service for customers
- ensuring vehicles don’t leave the depot half empty

FD can now recycle every material coming through the supply chain
- paper
- cardboard
- hard and soft plastics
- wood
- polystyrene
We have achieved - and are continuously working towards - a reduction of £0.5m worth cardboard PA
Wasted product either goes for animal feed or is put through our composter
Our wood crusher donates a constant stream of reconditioned wood to a local furniture maker
We are working towards a direct distribution estate, with 100% plastic, returnable trays

We offer growers long term contracts – this is both rare and offers stability in a non-trading environment
We work with key growers to amalgamate deliveries across different product groups – this is up and running with our Spanish growers already
FD supports Fairtrade products, which campaigns and supports better conditions for third world growers
FD offers full traceability on all products as standard
The Company operates at the highest level of the BRC accreditation and associated systems

Reducing our carbon footprint further
Supporting regionally and locally operating farmers/growers
Allowing customers true local sourcing potential
Moving vehicles closer to the customer
We are looking to reduce Locals units’ vehicle fleet by introducing efficiencies

The FreshGro initiative promotes and supports British farming
It reduces the risk associated with growing by direct contracts
FreshGro supports the reduction of food miles by working with farmers/growers close to FD operations
It encourages the promotion of new/forgotten varieties to increase produce sourced from the UK

The Fresh Direct Academy – educating for the future
The Academy includes a junior chef course & free school‘enrichment’ days
Our Development Chefs take part in around 20 schools eventsa year to promote healthy eating and culinary education to our next generation
Our Marketing function designs and donates free display material to local schools, educating on fresh produce

We have a dedicated local charity, voted for by employees
We run The Barley Ball – Oxfordshire’s most exclusive charity ball
We regularly donate fresh fruit for local sporting events and for local schools during exams

View our history