Hate going into crowded supermarkets to do your shopping? You’re in luck because there’s a new grocery delivery service in town: Pinemelon.
Pinemelon is a local-first online grocery that launched in Denver in April with a goal of combining farmers market and supermarket selections with the convenience of online ordering and home delivery. Now, they’ve expanded their footprint to include Boulder, which means you can get your groceries from Colorado food producers and national brands with ease.
The company offers panty staples, fresh produce and local favorites between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week. They’re focused primarily on working with local farms and purveyors, so you can feel good about supporting Colorado businesses whenever possible. The company hopes to eventually offer 20 to 25 percent local products, including a wide variety of meats, produce and goods from Centennial State farmers, start-ups and independent brands.
“One of our overarching goals is to become a community aggregator, making local accessible from both a convenience and price perspective,” says Chris Franklin, Pinemelon’s general manager. “We’re listening to suppliers and consumers so both can have meaningful and long-lasting relationships with Pinemelon.”
Pinemelon also prioritizes natural, organic and better-for-you foods, so if eating more sustainably and healthier are two of your resolutions for 2023, then Pinemelon is well-positioned to help you achieve those goals.
How Does Pinemelon Work?
You can either download the Pinemelon app or visit the website and create an account, then start shopping. At checkout, you can select a delivery date and time, as well as write special delivery instructions for the drivers. Once your order is on its way, you’ll get a text message letting you know. Even if you’re not home, the driver can leave the groceries on the porch or at your door.
Delivery is free on orders of more than $35. Above $35, the delivery fee is $4.95.
What Else to Know
Pinemelon’s CEO is Alexey Lee, an entrepreneur who spent the last three years building Kazakhstan’s largest online supermarket, called Arbuz.kz. He saw a lot of similarities between Kazakhstan and Colorado, including the closeness to the mountains and residents who lead active lifestyles, which is why he selected Denver to be the company’s United States headquarters.
The company owns all parts of the sourcing, purchasing and delivering process, which has allowed it to streamline every step along the way. In addition, its delivery drivers are on the payroll — they’re not gig workers — and they receive benefits and healthcare. Staffers handpick items to include in your order, so you can be sure you’re getting the very best selection every time. The company also uses temperature-controlled vans to help keep food fresh and safe.
Local Companies
Pinemelon works with these local companies at the moment and hopes to add more in the future:
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- Grama Grass and Livestock in Boulder
- Highland Honey in Longmont
- Sky Pilot Farm in Longmont
- Buckner Family Ranch in Longmont
- Croft Family Farm in Greeley
- Tasty Acres Colorado in Lakewood
- Postcard Foods in Idaho Springs
