Even in a lockdown situation, people need those little extras.
It seems people can’t do without ice cream, cakes and chocolate while isolated, and it’s providing a lifeline business opportunity for firms who have turned to home deliveries during the pandemic.
Inverness-based Miele’s Gelateria introduced home deliveries during the lockdown and is now making 100-120 deliveries a day. Staff numbers have risen from six to 17 to cope with demand.
David Miele, who owns the business with his father, mother and brother, said: “We had not done home deliveries before, but it’s been phenomenal. The phone is ringing off the hook and our customers have been extremely supportive.
“It’s hard work but also very rewarding. We are putting smiles on people’s faces – maybe a kid who has missed his birthday party because he could not get out, or a gift for a granny or grandad. There have been a lot of tears at the door.
“Seeing how happy it makes people keeps us going. It’s giving people something to cheer them up at this time.”
He said without the new delivery service the business may not have survived: “Coming out of winter, it would have been hard to keep going if we were closed for a long time. So, it’s great people are supporting us as a local business.”
Miele’s is also delivering ice cream to local care homes and foodbanks during the crisis.
The Chocolate Place in Inverness previously sold handmade artisan chocolates to community and farmers’ markets. Now in their seventh year of operation, chocolatier Debbie Niven and husband Andrew deliver to homes within 20 miles of the city.
Debbie said: “It’s been a difficult time for everyone, but we adapted and decided that if our customers were unable to access us then we would have to go to them.
“We are very fortunate to have such lovely customers and their support has been just wonderful.”
Abi Rodriguez, who runs the Highland Patisserie from Dornoch created ‘cheer me up’ boxes of cakes and tarts for home delivery after the cafes and restaurants she was supplying closed.
She is now delivering as far away as Inverness: “I am pleased to say that the support I have been getting from my customers for my ‘cheer me up’ boxes has been amazing. I am so grateful for all the orders and support.”
Brian and Amy Stewart, who run Buchan’s Ices, in St Combs, introduced ice cream party packs for home delivery to keep their business going.
Mrs Stewart said: “The uptake was huge and it has been difficult for us to keep up with demand.”
