The Market Runners

The other day I bought an old Imperial Half Pint glass milk bottle at a vintage shop, and wished we could go back to the days of creamy bottled milk delivered on the doorstep. Yeah, I watch a lot of River Cottage.

Well, I needn’t wish for yesteryear anymore because The Market Runners have arrived, delivering fresh fruit, vegetables, bread and milk (in glass bottles) to the doorsteps (or the kitchen bench if you’re lucky) of busy Melbournians. The man behind the plan is Ben Wright. Once upon a time his great granddad traipsed about on a horse and cart home delivering fresh bread and now Ben is following in his footsteps, albeit with an expanded repertoire of goods.

How does it work? Well, ordering is done online and you can choose the Classic Box (which changes seasonally) or opt to Build Your Own grocery combo. Deliveries are either weekly or fortnightly.

While The Market Runners are far from the only grocery delivery business in town, Ben reckons his focus on freshness and support for local producers sets them apart – for example, all their bakery goods are from Phillipa’s.

Sustainability is also a big deal, with all deliveries coming in reusable and returnable timber crates, and collection of the crates and glass milk bottles for reuse is all part of the service. BTW, the milk is Tasmanian and organic, and apparently has a brilliant taste because its free of any nasty plastic bottle tang. Also, the delivery men dress up as old school milkmen (!)

So if the supermarket wars are getting you down down, check out The Market Runners and say a big hurrah for the return of the glass milk bottle.

To find out more head to themarketrunners.com.au.