The Vine – An Gwinbrenn in Wadebridge is closing its doors. The greengrocer was set up in November 2010 by Chris Andrews and Dave Allan, two former employees of the now defunct Stokes the Greengrocer, after that national chain collapsed.
Following their success in Wadebridge, the pair expanded with a second branch in Bodmin and later launched a "Mobile Greengrocer" delivery service for wider north Cornwall. Now, after 27 years in the trade, since the age of 13, Chris has announced this is the end for The Vine in Wadebridge.
In an emotional post on Facebook, he said margins have always been small but with the cost of everything rising, it is no longer possible to make a living. He said: "After a lot of thought and with a very heavy heart, I've made the incredibly difficult decision that The Vine will be closing its doors.
"Fruit and veg is pretty much all I've ever known. I started as a Saturday boy at Stokes when I was 13. I'm 40 now, so after 27 years in the trade it's going to feel very strange not being surrounded by boxes of fruit and veg every day."
He added: "The truth is, it's an incredibly tough industry to make a living in. The margins have always been small, but over recent years virtually every cost of running a small business has gone up – rates, stock, wages, energy, fuel, rent and everything in between – while you're still trying to keep prices competitive and give customers good value.
"Eventually something has to give. I'm gutted it's ended this way, but I'm also incredibly proud of what we built and what The Vine became."
Chris also thanked his business partner and his family. He said: "A special mention and massive thank you has to go to Dave. We started The Vine together and he played a huge part in building and growing the business. I'll always be grateful for what we achieved together.
"And of course, my family. They've probably made more sacrifices for The Vine than anyone realises – early mornings, late nights, missed time together and all the stresses that come with running a business. Without their support, patience and understanding, I honestly don't think I'd have kept it going this long.
"To all my staff, past and present, our brilliant local growers and suppliers and, most importantly, every customer who has supported us over the years – thank you. I've watched families grow up, got to know people through deliveries and had customers become friends. That's probably what I'll miss the most."
Customers have shared their support. Julian Harman, a former greengrocer, wrote: "Such a sad hard decision to make! I felt pretty much the same when I closed A1Fruiterers in Camelford. Yet another nail in the coffin of the high street, hammered in by the big supermarkets and the general public too busy or too lazy to go shopping themselves when they can buy inferior quality online."
Jonny Jenkins added: "Sorry to hear this. Be proud of yourself for supplying the people of Wadebridge and surrounding area with a great service and friendly face. Well done. Good luck with the next chapter."
Samantha Richards said: "Sorry to see you go but it is understood given today's business challenges. A different business but we gave up four years ago. With Government and council red tape and everything else such as energy costs, customer parking, it was against us. We had three of our seven staff on maternity who we had to support. It was the straw that broke the camel's back. We have both since found jobs in a multinational company and are much happier. Best wishes, where one door closes another opens."
The Vine in Wadebridge will close for good on Friday (August 28). The Cornish Vine in Bodmin remains open as normal.
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