Innovative ‘grower partnership’ proves a hit in Worcestershire

Published by Russ Cockburn for Danks Cockburn Public Relations Ltd in Health and also in Bill Payments, Central Government, Communities, Education, Environment, Local Government

A pioneering ‘grower partnership’ in the heart of Worcestershire’s Severn Valley is going from strength to strength after a successful year.

Minor Weir and Willis (MWW) has brought six local growers together to allow them to gain leverage into UK multiple retailers through its existing supply contracts and distribution network.

The group of growers have all seen considerable increases in turnover and new jobs during 2011, with MWW also benefitting from extended seasons and reliable supply.

Simon Barnett, MWW’s UK Growing Manager, commented:

“The concept has developed over a number of years and we are now at the stage where we have a fabulous team of growers, which has been complemented in the last twelve months with the purchase of the first piece of land by the MWW Group in Worcestershire. Each participant has complimentary skills and each wishes to buy in to the knowledge-sharing element of the approach.”

Barnett continued: “Between our six members and our own land, we now have in excess of 2,000 acres within a fifteen mile area of Worcestershire, with packing focussed around a central hub from which much of our product is packed and distributed.

“We handle the commercial agreements with supermarkets directly, leaving the growers to do what they do best…grow fantastic tasting fruit and vegetables. The Group has expanded its UK growing activities in recent years and we intend to continue to invest in this area of the business.”

The partnership currently produces more than ten different products, ranging from salad onions and peas and beans to chillies, courgettes and asparagus.

It is now also looking at extending this into non-traditional areas, such as Pak Choi (widely used in Chinese cooking) and the hugely popular sugar snap pea, which has become a staple part of the offer into the UK School Fruit and Vegetable scheme.

Growing new products and extending seasons has meant a reduction in imports; a welcome boost to reducing the Group’s carbon footprint as well as the UK’s balance of trade.

Barnett picked up the story: “Consumers feel strongly about local food, both as a statement of support for British farmers and as an affirmation of freshness. We share that passion and feel this partnership goes a long way towards delivering that message.

“In addition to helping create sustainable returns for local farmers, the group also benefits from collective purchasing agreements and dissemination of best practice via the MWW Technical department.

“Recent group investments include a £500,000 new salad onion packing line, as well as packing and agricultural machinery.”

Minor, Weir & Willis (MWW) employs more than 240 people at its Birmingham headquarters and was recently listed as one of the Daily Telegraph’s top 1000 companies to lead the UK out of recession.

The company has expanded rapidly in the last ten years to become a major European Food Group, with operations in Holland, Spain and Germany.

It is also a key partner in the UK School Fruit and Vegetable scheme, delivering to over 300,000 key stage one pupils at 2,000 schools.

For further information, please visit www.mww.co.uk