Cox's Boxes in Sudbury reaps fruits of labour as demand for delivery service sky-rockets

A market trader from Sudbury has successfully adapted his business to meet a dramatic rise in demand during the coronavirus outbreak.

Charlie Cox, who runs a stall at Sudbury market selling fresh fruit and vegetables, has seen his delivery service sky-rocket – with an 85 per cent increase in orders.

Due to the high demand, Mr Cox has had to replenish his stock a lot more frequently by doubling his usual visits to wholesale markets to prepare boxes of fresh produce.

“It’s very hard working 24/7, but it’s worth it,” said the 25-year-old, who established Cox’s Boxes delivery service after taking over the market stall four years ago.

During the business’s busiest trading period, it has been delivering up to 140 orders in a single day.

To fulfil all the orders, a further two full-time staff have been taken on.

Reflecting on the collective efforts of the town during lockdown, Mr Cox said: “It’s amazing – it’s like the whole community has pulled together, and we have done our bit to provide for them and they’re really appreciative.”

While having to expand his business, Mr Cox highlighted the importance of supporting local traders in the process.

“I’m doing everything I can to use local businesses as a network,” he said. “We are a family business and I always think, if we work with people who are local, we tend to provide a better service for the town.”

With plans to expand his range of delivery goods to cheese and bread, Mr Cox said he had already explored potential local suppliers in the town.

Praising the positive response from the community, Mr Cox’s father, Darren, who runs a separate fruit and vegetable stall at Sudbury market, said: “It has been deeply humbling.”