2015 is definitely a year of healthy eating, we're becoming more informed every single day of the food we eat, where it comes from and how it was made. People are actively choosing to eat better and look after themselves, but we all have our moments of weakness. For those of you out there working in an office in front of a computer all day, you can recognise what a struggle it can be to eat healthily everyday when it’s so hard to find the time. So instead of grabbing something from the vending machine and nibbling it at your desk, the Dennis brothers have provided a healthy solution delivered straight to your office.
Brian & Barry Dennis were in the family business of motors (HB Dennis Motors) until the recession hit them hard in 2009 as did most of the car industry.The two took the hit as an opportunity to start their travels and ended up picking up a few entrepreneurial skills along the way. While Brian continued in the family motor business in the Middle East, Barry found himself working for a company in Australia that delivered fresh produce to people’s homes. The dynamic duo then returned home eager to apply their new found ideas that they had adopted from their travels. They recognised a gap in the office delivery market for fresh produce and so ‘The Fruit People’ was born in 2013.
As the boys say themselves "I guess we are kind of the opposite to Bill Cullen, He went from selling apples on Moore street to selling cars and we went from selling cars to selling apples!"
Their concept proved very popular and they found themselves gaining contracts with several multi-national companies such as Amazon, Symantec and Danske Bank to name but a few. The brothers recognised that every company is looking for the same thing "a supply of fresh and healthy snacks to fuel their employees". They've recently joined up with fellow healthy Irish suppliers Sprout Juices, Bunalun, Good Snack Co, so that they can offer their customers a better rounded package when picking the perfect guilt free office snack.
To avail of the service it only takes about five minutes to sign your company up. They offer a very user-friendly website that literally gives you step-by-step instructions to see you through the ordering process. You simply pick your product then select the frequency you wish to have it delivered, theres' even a once-off option for first timers wanting to just try the service out. I found there to be a great selection with everything from fresh fruit, detox juices to whole milks (almond and soy) for whatever settles your cravings! The brothers themselves are advocates for healthy eating, there’s even a blog section on the restaurant with healthy recipes, food events and information on workplace well-being.
The brothers themselves are definitely firm believers that the early bird catches the worm, starting their day at 4am most mornings in Smithfield market picking out the freshest produce to fill their orders that day. And from tasting quite literally the fruit of their labour I’m so grateful for their dedication and pride in quality produce! The fruit itself is delicious and was without doubt the highlight for my morning, the ultimate desk munching material.
I really enjoyed the whole concept of a "sweeter, healthier workplace for all" which really comes across in the service that they provide.
So keep up the good work boys!
For more information:
The Fruit People
www.thefruitpeople.ie
T: 01 53 45821
By Edel Clark
