Langmead Herbs has snapped up the family-owned fresh cut herbs firm as it looks to strengthen its supply chain and expand capacity.
Founded in 1958 by Richard and Gloria Stevens, R&G Fresh (formerly R&G Herbs) began in the couple’s backyard, growing herbs and selling them from a market stall in Covent Garden.
Credited with pioneering the use of fresh herbs in the UK, the company has grown into third-generation family-run supplier of premium fresh-cut herbs.
Today, R&G Fresh operates from its headquarters in Farnborough, Hampshire, with established farming operations in Kenya. It is the sole supplier sole supplier of fresh cut herbs to Waitrose.
For the last 26 years, the business has been led by Mat Prestwich, who will be staying on under the new ownership as managing director.
“I am very proud of the business which we have built at R&G Fresh, and I am confident that there will be further success as part of Langmead Herbs,” said Prestwich.
“Both of these food-focused businesses provide customers and consumers with high quality products at a time when people are ever more interested in the ingredients they are using.”
Sussex-based Langmead Herbs is an importer, grower and packer of cut herbs, as well as a producer of glasshouse-grown potted herbs. In the last six years it has seen revenue grow from £13 million to £29 million.
Langmead Herbs forms part of the broader Langmead group of businesses, which has a significant farming foothold across Suffolk and Sussex, producing herbs and spinach.
“We are excited to be bringing together Langmead Herbs and R&G Fresh. As family businesses we share a common cultural approach and the combination makes great strategic sense for both of us,” commented Ashley Haworth, managing director of Langmead Herbs.
“In particular, we will have access to a stronger and more sustainable supply chain, great people, increased capacity and a state-of-the-art facility in Farnborough. This is a fantastic addition to the Langmead Herbs business.”
R&G Fresh was advised by Alvarez & Marsal.
