![Todd Irvine](https://thisiscanberra.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_7909-810x540.jpg)
Third-generation fruiter, Todd Irvine. Photos: Supplied.
COVID-19 has driven a rise in the number of local businesses offering home delivery. From gourmet pizza bases, artisan bread, frozen bake-at-home croissants to restaurant-quality ready-made meals, traditional takeaway and fresh produce, the calibre and variety has increased with each week in lockdown.
I have tried quite a few of the new home delivery options, eager as I am to support local businesses, as well as being eager to eat well, and very eager to avoid big supermarkets. Still all about convenience, being able to get items delivered with no contact straight to my door with a few clicks online has been a winner.
As soon as I heard Ziggys Fresh, one of Canberra’s seminal names in fruit and vegetables was available to order online, I clicked away and the next day I had a large box full of super fresh produce at my doorstep. The variety and quality were better than if I’d selected it myself.
![Large family box](https://thisiscanberra.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_6483-810x608.jpg)
The large family box has been the most popular.
Family-owned and operated since the business began, Ziggys continues to provide fresh, quality seasonal produce to market-goers every week. The Irvine family, who took over operations at Ziggys Belconnen in 2003, and has gone on to expand not only that store but also build a new one in Fyshwick are third-generation fruiters.
“You can find Ziggys Fresh in both the spiritual homes of fruit and veg in Canberra, the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets, and Fyshwick Markets. Ziggys is one of Canberra’s oldest fruit market stores and the longest-running fruit and veg shop at the Belconnen Markets. We have been part of the Canberra community since 1972,” Todd Irvine told Region Media.
“We have remained committed to offering the best retail experience in Canberra and maintaining our extremely high standards during these times at both our locations. However, because of the current situation, we have started offering fruit and vegetable boxes to contact-free delivery or contact-free pick-up. Giving Canberrans in isolation the opportunity to eat the best produce available.”
Currently, there are five options available for the produce boxes. All are designed to cover a broad range of seasonal produce and are bursting with colour. For a combination of fruit and vegetable boxes, the options include a large and small family box along with a box for one person. For fruit lovers, there is an option for just a fruit box.
As we head into winter, the Ziggys team has added a Canberra ‘Winter Survivor Vege Box’ full of all the essentials to cook warming soups and stews, including a litre of stock.
![Canberra ‘Winter Survivor Vege Box’](https://thisiscanberra.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/FullSizeRender-810x633.jpg)
Canberra ‘Winter Survivor Vege Box’ full of all the essentials to cook warming soups and stews (including stock).
“The large family box has been the most popular with our customers. Our website has only recently been completed, so customers have the option to either order online or over the phone. We are looking to continue growing this service in the future,” Todd said.
“We have found Canberrans have become better eaters. A lot of people are turning towards healthier food to maximise their immune systems and to make up for lack of exercise.”
Ziggys home delivery is available Wednesday to Sunday. Delivery fees apply.
To order head, to Ziggys Fresh or phone 0406 536 911.
Original Article published by Sophia Brady on The RiotACT.