VIDEO: Doncaster greengrocer is ripe for success

A Doncaster fruit and veg seller is full of beans after being named Britain's best greengrocer.
Doncaster Market Trader K.D. davis and Sons win national award. Pictured on the stall is Ryan DavisDoncaster Market Trader K.D. davis and Sons win national award. Pictured on the stall is Ryan Davis
Doncaster Market Trader K.D. davis and Sons win national award. Pictured on the stall is Ryan Davis

K.D. Davis & Sons scooped the Greengrocer of the Year Award and was also named ‘Best Business in the North East’ at the Farm Shop and Deli Awards.

The family business, which has been a recognisable fixture on Doncaster and Rotherham markets for more than 80 years, wowed judges with its fresh produce.

Doncaster Market Trader K.D. davis and Sons win national award. Pictured on the stall is Ryan DavisDoncaster Market Trader K.D. davis and Sons win national award. Pictured on the stall is Ryan Davis
Doncaster Market Trader K.D. davis and Sons win national award. Pictured on the stall is Ryan Davis
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Director Ryan Davis, aged 25, said: “We are hugely proud to have won this award against such prestigious competition. We are a fourth generation of greengrocers and it is nice to know that our traditional values and customer service has stood us in good stead.”

Staff were invited to pick up their awards at a glittering ceremony at the Birmingham NEC on April 18. They scooped both prizes following a public vote and a visit from a judge posing as a secret shopper. The panel praised the firm’s ‘quality products’ and ‘excellent customer service’.

Mr Davis, who lives in Whiston, Rotherham, said: “I think what sets us apart is good quality. We make sure our produce is in season. So in winter we get peaches, nectarines and apricots from places like Chile and South Africa, and in summer we source fruits from Italy and Spain. We are also proud to work with local farms so we get cauliflower and leeks from a supplier in Westwoodside and strawberries and cherries from a business in Retford.”

The firm has also set up an online service recently, and now delivers produce to about 150 homes a week.

Doncaster Market Trader K.D. davis and Sons win national award.Doncaster Market Trader K.D. davis and Sons win national award.
Doncaster Market Trader K.D. davis and Sons win national award.
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Mr Davis said: “You have to adapt and change with the times. We also have a very active Facebook page where customers ask us what is in season and what veg might go with what meat. We love having this close bond with our customers.”

Customer Lisa Ashmore, of Lindholme, said: “I do all of my fruit and veg shopping here. The produce is fresh and you can always get served quickly.”

The business was launched by Ryan’s great-grandad Edwin in Rotherham Market in the 1930s, and was later taken on my his son Keith. The firm still operates in Rotherham and has two stalls at Doncaster market. The business is run by Ryan, his brother Matthew, aged 23 and their parents Karen and Andrew.