MAGICTOMATO.CH: QUALITY GROCERIES ONLINE
by Chené Koscielny
If you see a life-size tomato wandering around Geneva, don’t be alarmed. MagicTomato is a superhero ready to save you from stuffing your face with junk food and super-keen to help you eat more healthily. The giant red fruit – or is it vegetable? I can never remember – is the jolly mascot of a young start-up company, MagicTomato, the first online grocery service to offer locally made and sourced products exclusively.
In September 2016, former banker and jeweler Paul Charmillot turned his back on the world of luxury in order to focus more fully on his passion for quality food and local products.
Where did the idea come from?
Paul’s own frustrations as a busy, young professional led to the idea of the start-up. “I would often find myself having to pick-up groceries at a gas station after hours or having to order junk food for dinner. After one too many uninspiring and unhealthy pizza take-aways I started thinking about finding a way to eat well and creating a solution for busy people who need access to quality products.”
Why local products?
Keeping products locally sourced allows the company to deliver groceries the same day and everything is hand-picked to order. They deliver Monday to Friday.
“Our service is unique because you gain access to many local artisans who really have a passion for their product. We promote the local economy and of course eating local helps reduce our ecological footprint,” says Paul.
MagicTomato: ‘the superhero of speed – and sustainability’
The company works with local artisans such as Fromagerie Bruand, Boucherie du Palais, poissonier Lucas and local farms. Place your order for cheese, fresh fish, meat, organic vegetables, fresh bread and even local wine, juice or beers before 12.30pm and MagicTomato will deliver your order to your home or workplace – for free – before 6pm the same day.
“MagicTomato is the link between the local artisans and the customers. We’re a bit like the Airbnb of food.”
“Sustainability is in our DNA, so reducing food waste is hugely important to us. We use recycled paper and glass, allowing us to considerably decrease the amount of packaging needed. Delivery in the downtown area is done by cargo-bike.”
The food is delivered in wooden crates or bags made from jute – a vegetable fibre – which you’re welcome to keep or return to MagicTomato to be used again.
And the reaction so far?
While the feedback from customers has been great, with the quality of the products and the customization feature rated very highly, their costumer base has been largely Swiss-based. Paul is keen to encourage expats to discover their service.
The company has just been selected to participate in the 2017 edition of ‘MassChallenge Switzerland’, a four-month acceleration program designed to shape early stage startups.
Well done guys!
SPECIAL OFFER: MAGICTOMATO offers CHF15 off orders for first time customers – mention Thingstodoingeneva when you place your order.
OUR REVIEW Melanie Goodman Daniels
I found MagicTomato.ch via an advert that popped up on Instagram and decided to give them a try. The service was great, with really fast delivery – so much better than having to wait four days for a supermarket delivery. Perhaps not the cheapest option, but every product we ordered was of superior quality.
I was impressed that they also sell fresh bread and patisserie and we absolutely loved the wholegrain baguette. Will be back for more!
Website: Magictomato.ch.
Tel: 078 681 20 54
Order before 12.30 for same day delivery, Monday to Friday.
