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[Full version Website] [ About us ] [Our Services] [References] [Frequently asked questions ] [Area of Operations] [Contact us ] [Become Part of Our Network ] [Our Location ] [Our Business Ethics] [Quality] [Supply Transparency ] [ Health ] [The Environment ] [ Education ] [Fair-Trade] [Regional Sustainability ]

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About us

Larder Bytes Ltd is a virtual organisation that manages numerous local food supply chains from producer to end customer, providing a technology service to our members. We have over 15 years experience in developing supply chain technology and have spent the last 3 years building a system to facilitate the distribution of local food. Larder Bytes is the catalyst for local food producers and distributors that together form a national food network, incorporating a number of smaller regional networks within a single structure. It is our aim to deliver products into homes and businesses in an effective and efficient manner supporting our network of local producers. Larder Bytes provides the overarching systems that create and manage the food supply chains. Much of the Larder Bytes network is focused on providing solutions to ethical issues surrounding the production, distribution and consumption of food. Follow this link to view the Landward article screened on the BBC in 2006, which demonstrates the business to business aspect of our original supply chain project developed in 2004.

Our primary objectives are:

Our Services [Top]

Larder Bytes is a virtual organisation that has been developing online supply chain management systems for over 15 years. The Larder Bytes technology carries out a large number of processes to facilitate the efficient purchasing and delivery of food products across a national network of food producers and distributors. Our system has been designed to address a range of ethical issues (see our business ethics for details) effecting the production distribution and consumption of food products. The following lists just some of the services Larder Bytes provides to it's customers.

References [Top]

Fairmont St Andrews

"Where the ideology is fresh is best" Larder Bytes is delivering just that and more. Scotland 's larder on a plate literally. Chefs and farmers working together to deliver maximum quality and seasonality to an ever discerning guest. : Iain Jurgensen, Executive Head Chef.

The Old Course Hotel

Larder Bytes provide the link to our local suppliers ensuring us of a transparent and efficient supply chain. In being supplied directly from the farm we are assured of receiving only the very best, high quality seasonal produce the benefits of which are clearly enjoyed by even our most demanding customers . : Mark Lindsey, Executive Head Chef.

The Gleneagles Hotel

Scotland has a fantastic natural larder, this produce link from field to plate means we can get hold of indigenous seasonal Scottish produce at its very best in quality and pass it on to our customers. : Andrew Hamer, Executive Head Chef

Frequently asked questions [Top]

FAQ for Shoppers

Q1 ) How do I join?

Joining the Larder Bytes network is simple, just go to the registration page and select the Home Delivery registration form or follow this link registration form.

Q2) What if there is no network in my area?

Larder Bytes are expanding rapidly and are constantly looking for new areas in which to set up new networks. If you would like a network to be setup in your area, go to the Keep In Touch Page and fill in the form to register your interest. Larder Bytes will then create a new network where there is adequate interest or possibly extend a neighbouring network to include you..

Q3) How do I know when products are local?

Each product has a local rating, the higher the rating the more local it is, i.e. local to your community or region. Each product also has an information page that shows the address and contact details of the supplier along with information about how the products where produced.

Q4) How much does it cost?

Larder Bytes is free to use for all of it's home delivery and Business customers.

Q5) How do I pay for my order?

Larder Bytes use a secure online payment system provided by Protx. You can pay using most major credit and debit cards. Important Note: A new security feature has recently been introduced by some of the major banks. This security feature consists of a password that you may be asked for at the point of payment. You can setup your password by contacting your bank directly. Currently not all banks support this feature (most will soon). To ensure maximum security for your online payment, Larder Bytes will be enforcing this new feature whenever it is fully introduced. If you are unsure if your bank supports this feature or you would like more information, we suggest you contact your bank directly.

Q6) What if the food I order is damaged?

If you are unhappy with your delivery, raise your grievance with the delivery driver. The driver can then action a full refunded for the damaged products.

Q7) When will I receive my order?

You will be offered a weekly range of times and dates in which your order can be delivered. Because Larder Bytes places an emphasis on fresh produce, products may still be in a field at the time they are sold. For this reason Larder Bytes requires two days to harvest and deliver products.

FAQ For Suppliers

Q1) How do I join?

Joining the Larder Bytes network is simple, just go to the registration page and select the Suppliers Registration form or follow this link registration form.

Q2) What if there is no network in my area?

Larder Bytes are expanding rapidly and are contantly looking for new areas in which to set up new networks. If you would like a network to be setup in your area, go to the Keep In Touch Page and fill in the form to register your interest. Larder Bytes will then create a new network where there is adequate interest or request you extend your delivery radus to be included in a neighbouring network.

Q3) How much does it cost?

There are no setup charges and no monthly membership fees. Instead Larder Bytes will invoice suppliers on a monthly bases charging a commission of 2.5% on sales. We feel that this is a fair system as Larder Bytes will only earn a commision relative to your sale..

Q4) How much stock will I need?

There is no minimum requirement regarding products. We only stipulate that products that are advertised are available at the disruption point when required. All purchases are order driven i.e. goods are purchased only to order, there is therfore no requirement for stock.

Q5) What happens if I have no more products to sell?

Larder Bytes uses a stock control system that ensures that products are only advertised and sold when they are made available by suppliers.

Q6) What will the unit size and price of my products be?

This is entirely up to suppliers. We would only recommend that the specified unit size is suitable for the home delivery market.

Q7) What if my products are imported?

Whilst Larder Bytes is based on local products, we understand that not all products can be sourced locally and welcome a diverse range of products. As we have an obligation to supply produce the whole year round.

Q8) When will I get paid?

Once Larder Bytes receives payment, suppliers can then invoice Larder Bytes using the online invoicing system. Invoices are then paid on the start of the month after 30 days from date of invoice.

Q9) Do I need to delivery my products?

Suppliers are required to deliver their products into there local distribution hub within a minimum of 24 hours or a possible maximum of 9 days, from the time of receiving the order. The distance you are prepared to deliver your products will determine the number of local distribuition hub you will have to deliver too. If you don't have the capability to deliver your products but are intested in joining a network, you can contact Larder Bytes and we may be able to arrange the pickup and onward distribution of your products.

Q10) How will I know when I have orders?

Suppliers are notified by e-mail when an order is placed, they can then view the full details of each order by login to the Larder Bytes website.

 

Area of Operations [Top]

A pilot project will cover the Grampian Television region to build upon contacts already established, supported by a press and television marketing campaign. The scheme will launch in Oct 2007, aiming to attract approximately 1.5% of the population / households within the region, creating an extensive network stretching from the Northern Isles to the banks of the Firth of Forth resulting in a substantial spend per annum being retained in the local regional economies, directly supporting small businesses and local producers.

Through management of the supply chain we are targeting a reduction of 263 tonnes per annum of food and packaging waste. This saving is achieved by a relatively small user community and represents under 1.5 Kg per household per month. This provides a target 263 tonnes per annum for this pilot project alone, once we gain a better understanding of the food procurement process it is hope to dramatically improve on these initial targets and in addition greatly reducing the volume of GHG emissions as well as waste going into landfill.

Larder Bytes have been in operation for three years. Our latest program is build upon our award winning technology and is in direct response to feedback from our customers as well as the environmental and sustainability needs of the market. This new development has received the support and backing of the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and is designed with the reduction of food and packaging waste as a key element of the network.

There has been a great deal of discussion about the benefits of locally produced food the most significant of which is the review that was published earlier this year of the Scottish Diet Action Plan. This clearly outlines a need for convergence, bringing together sales, marketing, and production with the sourcing and environmental elements of food relative to the nation's diet.

By increasing the volumes of business for small local companies we anticipate an increase in business confidence in the marketplace, leading to increased local production and employment, driving ongoing sustainability. A number of our hubs are already planning to employ a new driver and or stores person as a direct result of joining the network.

Our waste reduction targets per household per month we believe to be relatively low. It is our objective to use year 1 to evaluate the causes of food and packaging waste and then use the supply chain to dramatically increase savings based upon our analysis of the root causes. Having determined what the causes waste are, we will be much better placed to assist the local council in reducing further the amounts of waste going into landfill in line with the new EU landfill directive;

In addition the regional nature of the distribution network reduces food miles and traffic congestion. The home delivery service dramatically reduces the carbon foot print of households and businesses, and can provide users with individual food related carbon indices. Support the council's commitment to the Scottish Climate Change Declaration

Tourism is a key revenue stream for Scotland and as such we have developed our technology with sustainable and green tourism as fundamental to the network. Not only do we provide the providence of our products but we also demonstrate the link to local food service and retail outlets. This ensures the visitor can access local high quality produce both directly and indirectly through restaurants and shops generating greater volumes of business in the local economy creating a local brand and enhancing the regions identity.

Contact us [Top]

Our networks bring together hundreds of small local producers making a comprehensive supply chain network offering local produce which supports many additional benefits including, regional sustainability and environmental benefits. Please contact us with your views, questions or observations, help us to shape our network s, help us to improve on the many benefits we offer work with us to support local businesses and reduce our impact on the environment. Please contact us with your views; Address:

Larder Bytes Ltd
Rivendell
Green Tree Brae
Freuchie
Fife
KY15 7ED


Telephone / fax: 01337 858686
Mobile : 07712 000413
Email: jim@larderbytes.com
nick@larderbytes.com
enquiries@larderbytes.com
sales@larderbytes.com

Become Part of Our Network [Top]

The Larder Bytes network brings together hundreds of small businesses right across Scotland . The concept behind the network of local supply chains is to make available the best local produce from small Scottish producers.. Whether you're a customer or supplier we need you to join with us to help create an environmentally friendly local food network, helping you to get a better deal whilst reducing food and packaging waste, carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Please join us support your local food producers. To join the Larderbytes Network simply follow this Link the [ registration ] page (access to full website version is required) or to find out more about Larderbytes follow this link to the [ register an interest ] page (access to full website version is required) .

Our Location [Top]

Larder Bytes is based in Fife and supports a network of independent food customers and producers that covers an area of Scotland from Wick in the North down as far as Fife. We are currently planning to extend our networks to include The Forth Valley and the Scottish Borders. If we don't operate in your area at this time then please register an interest in joining (access to full website version is required), we can then focus the development of our network on areas where we have the most interest.

 

Our Business Ethics [Top]

Like most good ideas, the concept behind Larder Bytes is remarkably simple. The system uses a virtual outlet to bring together producers and consumers.

The significance of this new approach is that the quantity and choice of foods delivered meet the needs of the consumer instead of the specifications set by a remote stock control unit,this is just one of the ways in which they address food waste at source. Why spent quality time trudging the aisles, time that can be better spent with family or friends or in pursuit of hobbies and interests.

Shopping the Larder Bytes way takes a few stress free minutes in the comfort of your armchair or office. A combination of efficiency savings reduces the conventional monetary and environmental costs incurred by the sale of produce.

Internet-based marketing removes the need for excessive packaging, lowering waste; and the transit system enables supply chain logistics to be optimized, reducing food miles, cost and traffic congestion.

Quality [Top]

Scotland is a country with some of the finest natural resources in the world.

From the magnificent mountains and rivers to the fertile lowland hills it provides the source and inspiration for some for the finest produce grown anywhere.

In recent years, a growing number of farmers and food producers have been managing their land and stock with an emphasis on the taste, quality and interest of the final product. This can include rediscovering unusual local varities and rare breeds, organic production, or just simply an attention to quality from start to finish to produce the best tasting food possible.

The products range from wild salmon and venison to scotch beef, organic lamb, fruits, vegetables and dairy products to name but a few. Scotland 's wild resources are managed with skill and care ensuring a harmonious balance with nature is continuously maintained.

Fruit and vegetables are grown with dedication and commitment using both organic and non-organic methods, by people with a lifetime of experience and commitment to the production of their speciality.

Needless to say, this list of exceptional products would be incomplete if we were to disregard the harvest from our seas, where fresh fish and shellfish are landed daily at a number of ports along our coastline.

Are networks have been designed to deliver food at its best possible quality. We achieve this by reducing the distance food travels and therefore reducing time it takes to get food from producers to your plate. Larderbytes as a strong believe in the quality of food that is available in this country and is proud to support the production of are nation's finest products.

Supply Transparency [Top]

Where does your food really come from?



An important aspect of the network is in creating a totally transparent supply chain where we demonstrate to our customers that our advertised products are without doubt from local sources. To establish the source of the product simply select the product and the link will take the consumer to the producer's page where they will find information about the producer including their location and contact details.

The forward strategy for Scottish Agriculture and the review of the Scottish Diet Action Plan both clearly define a need for collaboration it is through collaboration that the networks stimulate growth by creating new markets for local products. The network allows producers to commit as much or as little product as they feel comfortable with. Prices and availability are determined by the producers in the true spirit of Fair-trade.

Health [Top]

The ten year review of the Scottish Diet Action Plan made four recommendations for a successful and healthy population. The main points being that food cannot be viewed in isolation and in order to support a healthier population we should develop a convergence of policies taking into consideration all aspects of the food chain.

The overriding objective of the network is to challenge current attitudes to food its production, distribution, preparation and consumption by creating a social experience which benefits the family, business and the community.

What Larder Bytes demonstrates is that a convergence of policy is commercially sustainable. The network delivers local quality food in support of agriculture and fisheries providing a healthier lifestyle which is supported by education, whilst delivering environmental and commercial benefits

The Larder Bytes network removes the temptation to buy excess food avoiding meaningless special offers and promotions. By purchasing through the network we avoiding the high pressure marketing techniques employed by major retailers reducing the temptation to buy on impulse.

The Environment [Top]

Although there is a great deal of debate about waste and its impact on the environment, in fact as yet very little is known about the quantity of food and packaging waste that is actually generated, precisely what it consists of, and more importantly the reasons why its' there.

The Larder Bytes approach to waste reduction is to address the root causes of waste in the following three areas;

1. Food waste
2. Packaging waste
3. Carbon emissions


The system focuses on measuring and reducing the volume of food and packaging being purchased. These quantities are optimized by the supply chain creating a gradual convergence between supply and demand. This level of convergence is far easier for local producers and merchants to achieve than it is for major retailers.

Carbon emissions and traffic congestion are addressed by reducing food miles using local produce and a local collection and distribution network.

EU Landfill Directive has set demanding targets as follows;

By 2010 to reduce biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 75% of that produced in 1995.
By 2013 to reduce biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 50% of that produced in 1995.
By 2020 to reduce biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 35% of that produced in 1995.


Local authorities who fail to meet the requirements of this directive may incur a heavy fine or penalty, The cost of which will be met by the consumer either directly or indireclty.

All of the above contribute to the creation of GHG omissions as well as waste going into landfill. It should be remembered that waste is not only harmful to the environment but also to the pocket who wants to buy anything just to throw it in the bin. In addition consumers are paying for waste both directly and indirectly, through the purchase and disposal of unwanted / unnecessary food as well as taxes and community charges. Needless to say the same applies to business only on a larger scale.

Education [Top]



Education plays a major role in changing attitude and in supporting those individuals who want to make a difference. Larder Bytes brings the ready steady cook concept into the home demonstrating clearly how home-made meals are prepared.

As well as being fun it also supports the waste reduction objectives by reducing the volume of food wasted through poor preparation.

For education to be effective Larder Bytes introduces a new and interesting method providing a relationship with food through the use of technology. Technology allows all users to get what they want from the network and to do it at their own pace and in the comfort of their own homes.

Through dynamically linking producers and their products with the consumer the technology provides in depth education on the seasonal availability of local produce allowing everyone to prioritize their purchasing to favour local in-season produce.

 

Fair-Trade [Top]

The forward strategy for Scottish Agriculture clearly defines a need for collaboration it is through collaboration that the networks stimulate growth by creating new markets for local products.

The Larder Bytes network allows producers to commit as much or as little product as they feel comfortable with and prices are determined by the producers in the true spirit of Fair-trade.

 

Regional Sustainability [Top]

Retained value is an important aspect in supporting regional sustainability.

By supporting local networks of local producers employing local people the total cumulative value of sales through the network is retained in the local community.

By keeping more of the local spend in circulation we encourage local business growth, creating development and employment opportunities building confidence that the market for local food will endure and prosper to the benefit of the community.