Pre-made meal delivery company Nourish’d is shutting down operations in Tasmania due to unsustainable delivery costs.
The mainland-based service, which offers gluten-free ready meals across much of Australia, says it has been subsidising delivery to the state by up to $70 per order.
Chief executive and co-founder Abbey Cameron told customers in an email the decision was a “very difficult” one.
“For several years, we’ve been subsidising deliveries to the state, often covering costs of $60–$70 per box ourselves, because we wanted to make Nourish’d meals accessible to our Tasmanian customers,” she wrote.
“But with our order volumes still very low in the area, it’s no longer feasible for us to continue.”
The move highlights the freight challenges facing businesses serving Tasmania, where the island’s isolation and relatively small population of 574,000 create unique logistical hurdles.
All goods coming in from the mainland must be shipped across the Bass Strait – either by sea or, if time-sensitive, by air.
Cameron, a “native Tasmanian”, said the choice was especially tough given her ties to the state.
“This decision has not been made lightly,” she said.
“We’ve loved serving the Tasmanian community and are so grateful for every order, every bit of feedback and every kind message we’ve received over the years.”
“Your support has meant the world to us and it truly hurts to have to say goodbye in this way.”
Nourish’d is taking final orders from Tasmanian customers this week.
