– open 6 days a week from 9am to 5pm –
HERITAGE
D J Hunts are the Isle of Wight’s longest running Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers. Established in 1964 by Derek Hunt, we are a family owned and operated business delivering fresh produce 6 days a week to Hotels, Public Houses, Restaurants, Caterers and local Shops Island wide.
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
At the tender age of twelve Derek attended Agricultural College in Freshwater and at 15 he began labouring on a farm growing cabbages amongst other farm duties. At 19 Derek started working for David King in Merstone selling fruit and vegetables and whilst there he gained a great deal of experience and product knowledge, becoming a familiar face to local growers. This provided Derek with the perfect foundation to set up his own fruit and vegetable business.
60'S TO 80'S
Being a man of great ambition, Derek set up his own business and began trading as D.J. Hunt in 1964 making deliveries in his Austin van. In the 60’s and 70’s the customer trade mainly consisted of Greengrocers and local shops of which there were many. During the 70’s and 80’s Derek and his wife Gail began growing their own produce and began trading in Newport Market. Before long they had opened a chain of bustling fruit and vegetable shops in Shanklin, Lake and Godshill.
CHANGES TO THE TRADE
Derek has had to contend with some major changes in the fruit and vegetable trade over the years. Without a doubt, the biggest took place in the late 80’s when the arrival of the supermarkets changed the face of the high street closing many local shops. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Derek widened out his customer base and soon he was delivering to pubs, restaurants and hotels as well as shops. From humble beginnings, through hard work and determination the business has continued to flourish to this day.
TODAY
In 2003, Derek handed the reigns over to son-in-law Ian who has been trading as D J HUNT ever since. The business has continued to expand with Ian and his team supplying fresh fruit and vegetables to pubs, hotels, restaurants and shops Island wide. 2020 has brought an exciting addition to the business with the development of a home delivery service and a new online shop.
GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
Collectively, the Hunt family have already amassed over 135 years of experience with fresh produce and they are pleased to be able to offer their customers the extensive product knowledge and expertise that this brings. Through the decades they have gone from strength to strength and they are proud to be the Island’s longest running Fruit and Vegetable Wholesaler.
THE VERY BEST
“We pride ourselves on being the very best at what we do and our aim today remains the same as it was 50 years ago – to provide the very best produce at the very best prices whilst providing an honest, professional and friendly service.”
– Ian Walder
Pagham Place, Main Road, Rookley, Isle of Wight, PO38 3NB
01983 840141