The Crunchy Carrot Celebrates 25 Years – Shaping the Future Together
The Crunchy Carrot, Dunbar’s much-loved community greengrocer and whole foods shop, is celebrating 25 years on the High Street this April. Since opening its doors on 1st April 2000, the Crunchy Carrot has grown from a small independent business into a thriving community hub, serving the town with fresh produce, ethical goods, and a commitment to sustainability.
Chris and Sarah, two of the shop’s three original owners, on opening day - the Crunchy was originally located where Green Cat Records is now.
More than just a milestone, this anniversary is an opportunity to strengthen its community ownership. 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, we’re inviting more people to become shareholders and help shape the shop’s future.
A Community-Owned Success Story
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. Today, over 600 shareholders collectively own and guide its direction, ensuring decisions benefit both the business and the wider community.
Our first Society AGM in 2020
New shareholders can join at any time. Shares are always available to buy, and every new shareholder strengthens our ability to serve the community. Shareholders have a vote on Society matters, play 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 a great place to work.
More Than Just a Greengrocer
With the motto ‘It’s a whole lot more than a fruit and veg store,’ the Crunchy Carrot plays a key role in Dunbar’s retail movement prioritising the wellbeing of people and planet. 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 like The Ridge, Dunbar Parish Church, Belhaven Community Garden, Tyninghame Community Farm, and Dunbar Primary School, the Crunchy Carrot is integral to local food initiatives. 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.
KidsFoodJourney at West Barns Primary School, one of our many children’s food programmes over the years
Securing the Future of Ethical Retail
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.
A few of the staff today: L-R Community Food Outreach & Comms Lead Hannah, one of the shop Managers and original owner Jo G, Lynn and Jo T
Join Us in Shaping the Next 25 Years
To celebrate, every customer visiting on 1st April will be entered into a raffle to win a basket of fresh produce. But the best way to mark our anniversary is by securing our future – and that’s where you come in. Whether you’ve been shopping with us for years or are new to Dunbar, now is the perfect time to get involved.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone,” said Jo Gibson, one of the shop's managers and a founding owner. “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.”
For more information about becoming a shareholder, visit our website at www.communitycarrot.scot or pop into the shop to speak to a member of the team. Let’s make the Crunchy Carrot’s next 25 years even more successful – together.
The shop’s three original owners Sarah, Chris and Jo on the Crunchy’s 10 year anniversary