Purple Carrot, Liverpool’s first vegan supermarket celebrates award success

Purple Carrot has been awarded the prestigious Retailer of the Year Award in the Merseyside Independent Business Award 2022.

Purple Carrot was the first completely vegan shop to open in Liverpool in 2014. It was Chris and Danielle’s aim to provide vegan alternatives to all the non-vegan everyday foods that you could find in the supermarket. All fruit and vegetables sold in the shop are completely organic, seasonally stocked and locally sourced. Since 2014 the small vegan shop has grown into a mini supermarket with a strong loyal customer base.

The Merseyside Independent Business Awards were founded by Morecrofts Solicitors in 2013, to celebrate the firm being 200 years old and remaining independent. This year’s awards took place on Thursday 20th October, at the stunning Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel, Liverpool. Purple Carrot were shortlisted from hundreds of entries alongside four other independent retailers and were shocked to learn that they had won.

Located on Smithdown Road in Liverpool, Purple Carrot is the passion and brainchild of entrepreneurs Chris Long and Danielle Kidd. 

Danielle commented:

“Checking the programme, we were up against some very strong competition and honestly believed we never stood a chance, so that moment when our funny little shop on Smithdown was announced we were absolutely shocked and thrilled to bits to be the winners of Retailer of the year!

Sometimes with all the ups and downs of running a business you forget what you’ve achieved, and this award is testament to every member of staff, every customer and every bit of hard work put in over the past 9 years.

Chris continued:

“Thank you to the organisers Morecrofts Solicitors and all the sponsors for putting on such a fab event. It was a real honour being there with so many other amazing independent businesses. And a really big thank you to every one of our customers who loves our shop, keeps coming back and contributes to making it the magical wonderful community hub that it’s been from day one.”

“Following on from our long-term refill solution for many items and commitment to achieving zero-plastic packaging, we are constantly innovating to provide a sustainable shopping experience. We have once again launched our Christmas Hampers, and we’ve got some exciting new projects coming up including the launch of our delivery service and a brand-new website, so the future for 2023 is truly a bright one”

Sustainability and animal welfare are core values the shop hold, along with a commitment to provide the best quality vegan products on the market. Since opening, the range of vegan products available has grown significantly, working with local producers to keep carbon footprint low, and employing local staff to support the Liverpool economy. 

The shop plays an important part in the community, having organised many community events including vegan potluck food events, film screenings and hosting meetings and forums on sustainability. During lockdown visits to the shop become a lifeline to many customers who felt safe and supported when visiting.

To find out more please follow @purplecarrotliverpool on Instagram and Facebook and keep an eye out for the new website coming in the new year. Or visit the shop at 286 Smithdown Road, Liverpool, Merseyside, L15 5AJ, where all new customers mentioning the award will be entitled to £10% off their first shopping bill over the value of £20.