Fruit and vegetable delivery business Wonky Box has expanded into the South Island.

The company says it has gained more than 1400 new customers on the island who are seeking its medium to large-sized boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables which – due to shape or size – major retailers consider imperfect and thus unacceptable to stock.

Wonky Box employs 17 Southerners, including a grower liaison who is in charge of developing and maintaining relationships with produce suppliers and growers throughout the South Island.

“Our core mission is to reduce waste, make fresh produce accessible and affordable, and provide our local growers with the support they deserve,” said co-founder Angus Simms. 

“Local growers have been hard hit with severe weather events and inflationary costs. We partner with them to help both reduce their waste and provide them with an extra revenue stream.”

According to Wonky Box, the brand diverted 2000 tonnes of produce from waste last year, while providing some relief to local growers and providing quality produce to households.

• Further reading: Fruit and vegetables drive annual food price increase