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Swede dreams are made of this

Marie Burchill
8/ 5/2008

WORKERS at Unicorn Grocery are buying a huge plot of land to grow organic veg - and it’s all thanks to their customers.

The award-winning grocery on Chorlton’s Albany Road has received a total of £150,000 worth of donations from customers - allowing them to buy their own plot of land on which they will grow organic veg that will then be sold in the grocery.

Staff at Unicorn first came up with the idea back in January and since that time have been inundated with donations from customers keen to get on board.

Workers say they have been ‘astounded’ by the number of customers who have made donations to their new venture – which will enable them to buy a 30-acre plot.

Rob Alderson of Unicorn Grocery – who has already kicked off the search for land – said: "We really are bowled over by the continuing generosity of our customers.

"I think all in all we had about 150 donations. The majority of this money has come from customers and they have supported us from the very beginning, so we are delighted that they are getting on board to see the next stage of our development.

"It is a sign of their loyalty that they trust us with so much of their money. We are hoping to find a plot between ten and 30 acres, but it depends on the quality and where we find the land.

"We are determined to make as much of our produce as local as possible and we hope that by completing this latest venture we will be securing a good quality food supply for south Manchester for the long term future."

So far Unicorn workers have carried out site visits at plots in Burnley and Wigan.

Rob said: "We are in the very early stages of our plan at the moment, but the ideal would be to find an appropriate plot of land within the Irlam, Barton, Warrington and Carrington area.

"Between five and fifteen miles away from the grocery would be ideal, but we are also considering the Ormskirk and West Lancashire area."

This is just the latest move that Unicorn has taken to demonstrate their green ethics.

A few months ago they opened their own green biodiversity roof on top of their building – which has turned into a haven for birds and insects. Unicorn was recently listed in the Observer food magazine awards, in which they scooped the title of Best Independent Retailer in the UK.