AN INDEPENDENT business which has grown into a thriving community hub is celebrating 25 years at the centre of Dunbar.
Since opening its doors on April 1, 2000, the Crunchy Carrot has served the town with fresh produce, ethical goods and a commitment to sustainability.
As a Community Benefit Society since 2019, the Crunchy Carrot is owned by its shareholders – local people (and some from further afield), who support ethical retail and ensuring access to high-quality produce.
To celebrate 25 years, the business is inviting more people to become shareholders and help shape the shop’s future.
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Jo Gibson, one of the shop's managers and a founding owner, said: “We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone.
“The last 25 years have been an amazing journey, and becoming community-owned has only strengthened our roots in Dunbar.
“But our future depends on the community – the more shareholders we have, the stronger we become.
“We invite everyone who loves the Crunchy Carrot to consider becoming a shareholder and helping shape the next 25 years.”
In 2019, the Crunchy Carrot became community-owned when local residents stepped in to save it from closure.
The Community Carrot Community Benefit Society Ltd was formed, and secured funding from the Scottish Land Fund to keep the shop in local hands.
Now, more than 600 shareholders collectively own and guide its direction, ensuring decisions benefit both the business and the wider community.
Shares are always available to buy and every shareholder has a vote on society matters, plays an active role in deciding how the shop is run, and the income received from selling shares goes directly back into improving the shop and making it an enjoyable place to work.
Beyond offering fresh produce, whole foods, and household essentials, it is a hub for activism, education and environmental awareness.
The shop serves as a refillery, a local employer and a key supplier to cafés, nurseries and restaurants.
Through partnerships with organisations including The Ridge, Dunbar Parish Church, Belhaven Community Garden, Tyninghame Community Farm and Dunbar Primary School, the Crunchy Carrot is integral to local food initiatives.
READ MORE: Dunbar's Crunchy Carrot now a community shop
A spokesperson for the High Street business said: “Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, we have expanded our outreach to include free children’s cooking classes, a weekly community meal and a food waste reduction programme.
“This year, we’re launching ‘The Crunchy Carroteers’, a volunteer-led delivery service making local, sustainable food more accessible.
“Community ownership was just the beginning.
“The Crunchy Carrot has weathered challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty and shifting retail trends, emerging stronger thanks to dedicated staff, volunteers and shareholders.
“We’ve adapted to meet the needs of the community and we’re committed to continuing that journey.”
For more information about becoming a shareholder, visit communitycarrot.scot or pop into the shop to speak to a member of the team.
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