On The Vine Marketplace

Many health conscious Exonians struggle to keep fresh produce in their diet and even turn their noses up at D-hall’s selection. For this reason, more and more are venturing out to On the Vine, a specialty food market that offers fresh, local fruits and vegetables as well as a wide variety of organic products that can’t be found anywhere else in Exeter. Although it’s located past Walgreens, some students find the trek worth their time.On the Vine opened in 2006 when owner Scott Edwards partnered with a few friends who specialized in various organic food areas. “My business partner is a childhood friend. He got into the business on the produce side. I had a seafood background. Some friends had a meat background. We started talking about moving under one roof. We thought Exeter was a great place,” he says fondly, “It’s been about eight years now.”On the Vine buys products from a variety of places, mostly in the area. “We buy from about five local farms in the summer, but there are things like oranges and peaches you can’t buy locally. Nearby small businesses, we buy a few products from them. I’d rather deal with someone local, face to face.” Edwards continues.On the Vine’s produce section covers a large portion of the store. Everything is fresh, colorful, and affordable. Organic produce costs more than other produce, but, as Edwards says, “It’s worth paying that extra fifty cents.” On the Vine also takes their produce to the Boston Produce Market. They pride themselves on selling things that other trucks don’t have.In addition to produce, On the Vine carries a wide variety of meats, seafoods, beers and wines, baked goods, gluten-free products, and prepared foods. Todd Durkee has worked at On the Vine for two and a half years in the meat section. “I think our quality and selection [set us apart]” he says, “All our sausages are made here and our beef is the highest quality you can buy. If you don’t see something you want, we’ll make it. We’re huge on customer service.” Most of the seafood at On the Vine comes from the Boston docks. They purchase their lobster straight off the boat from two local lobstermen. Most of the products in the bakery are made from scratch every morning using fresh, organic ingredients. The prepared foods section is expansive, with everything from pasta salads and cole slaws to marinated chicken and sushi. “We cook all the prepared foods from scratch. We don’t buy any of that,” Edwards comments, “It makes a big difference.”Mr. Edwards’ nephew, Matthew, has worked at On the Vine since its opening. “People actually like working here,” he says. A lot of On the Vine’s employees have worked there for several years, and many customers have been there from the start, too. “We have relationships with our customers. They’re our friends,” remarks Edwards. He feels that people’s food and people’s money are delicate and important to take care of, and he takes pride in doing so.On the Vine is a great place to go for high quality groceries and prepared meals. “We have higher standards [than other food markets],” Edwards said. “It pays off.” With their wide variety of products, anybody can find something they’ll love. Very few stores in the area carry produce, meat, and fish as fresh as On the Vine’s. So, next time you go on your weekly run to The Dollar Tree, stop in at On the Vine.