The Open Food Network is not only a great way to get local food to local people. It is also the only open source online food distribution system.
Mary ClearIncredible Edible Todmorden
A highly adaptable online shopfront + more
What is the Open Food Network?
The Open Food Network (OFN) UK a community of independent producers, retailers and distributors selling online to build a stronger, fairer food system in the UK
What we do
The OFN platform makes it easy to create innovative, independent food businesses.
Food producers can create an online shop, collect payments, sell through other shops on the platform and access reduce rate courier services. Wholesalers can integrate with existing systems, manage buying groups and supply your produce through our national network of food hubs and shops. Communities can bring together producers in your area to create a virtual farmers’ market, building a resilient local food economy.
The OFN community has decades of experience in running innovative food enterprises with social and ecological aims. We know that good food can transform our planet and our society. We also know that making values-driven food enterprise work takes commitment, perseverance, partnerships and support. The OFN community want to help you to make values-driven food enterprises thrive!
Why we’re different
Flexible Pricing Model. Our basic plan starts at £1 per month and is designed to scale with food enterprises, whether you trade £5000/year or £5000/day. See our Pricing and Plans for more detail.
We’re a platform cooperative – building tools on the internet collectively for people, not privately for profit. We’re 100% not-for-profit.
The software we run is open source and developed and used by an international community of committed food and tech activists.
Everyone in the network runs food enterprises. With decades of experience to share members learn from each other and grow together.
Collaboratively designed by food producers and sellers all over the world.
Join the network now– it’s quick and easy, and we’re here to help.
What's included
OFN Features
Our growing global community are adding new features all the time
Over the years we’ve been running OFN we’ve been working tirelessly to build the tools that food enterprises need to succeed. With our tiny, part time development team working remotely …
Olivier De Schutter says “I was for six years UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food. I have been working on food issues for about ten years and I …
A nationwide study to better understand how food hubs can contribute to a more sustainable food system. Open Food Network are teaming up with researchers at the University of East …
Any initiative that fosters local food economies, and makes it easier for us all to buy low-impact, seasonal ingredients, gets my vote. I think the OFN is a very exciting project, offering a positive, sustainable alternative to the prevailing food culture, and helping to put control of distribution back where it should be – with growers, producers and consumers.
Reuben ChestersLocavore Founder
I am very pleased to be part of the growing Open Food Network. It is exciting to see so many new producers registering on the Network across the country and then to see the links being set up between these producers and shops like mine as well as various types of markets, food hubs and food co-ops – all making use of the same online system to build distribution and retail networks that would never have happened without OFN.
Ashley WheelerTrill Farm
I really like the way OFN works and it seems that our customers find it easy to use too.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Reuben Chesters
Ashley Wheeler
