Fresh produce search engine Hairyape is looking for backers and sponsors as it gears up for its next stage of development and forecasts renewed opportunity with greater uptake of Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
The industry search engine celebrates its fifth anniversary this week. "Five years ago during the internet boom I first conceived the idea of hairyape," said md Martin Clifford. "It was originally to become a simple e-commerce platform for buyers and sellers to trade goods, but it soon became apparent that the fresh produce industry was simply not ready for such a massive leap in technology and a steadier approach would be needed.
"So I hastily altered the site to become a search engine for fresh produce thinking that companies want to find other companies and see what products or services they are offering. All products can be updated at anytime to keep their availability lists current. A truly interactive search engine for fresh produce offering any registered supplier their own "availability website" at no charge.
Over the years the website has been improved and there are now more than 4,600 registered suppliers from 130 countries and 2,500 registered searchers. These are growing at over 100 a month. There are 20,000 items or services listed.
Hairyape saves companies trawling non-specific search engines trying to find relevant links and allows them to guide other companies to their own websites creating an availability website of their own on hairyape.
"Judging by the searches that are now performed each month people are beginning to find the site more useful and informative," said Clifford.
Two years ago an offers board was added to help companies either offer or request produce through a different, more direct method.
"The next major opportunity for hairyape could be with VoIP - free phone calls over a broadband Internet connection," said Clifford. "With the information on the hairyape database we are in an excellent position to become the Yellow Pages of the trade as searchers look for phone numbers whilst on the Internet, then click it on hairyape to be connected free of charge."
Now the site is looking for backing or major sponsors to take it to the next level. "As younger players join our industry I am confident that the internet will become a vital part of everyday trading or searching," said Clifford.
"And if the industry realises what free information and possibilities are available, we should have well over 10,000 registered companies and a site that could become a directory enquiries service for those in the fresh produce trade using broadband phones."
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