Albert Bartlett completes acquisition of The Jersey Royal Company

Albert Bartlett has completed the acquisition of The Jersey Royal Company from Produce Investments.

The sale completed on 21 March following approval from The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA), and sees Bartlett take full control over the mainstream commercial Jersey Royal crop on the island.

According to Albert Bartlett, the consolidation of the island’s leading producers is seen by both businesses as key to delivering a sustainable future for the famous crop, while continuing to deliver a great product for consumers.

Family-owned Albert Bartlett has packed and marketed Jersey potatoes for multiple generations and has had a dedicated packing and growing infrastructure on the island since 2008. The Jersey Royal Company, meanwhile, was formed into its current model over 20 years ago and was purchased by Produce Investments in 2014.

Work will now begin on integrating the team at JRC and its entire operations into the Albert Bartlett Group, the company confirmed, which it said would “make for an exciting 2024 season and create new opportunities for everyone in the supply chain going forward.”

’Great consumer proposition’

Albert Bartlett’s chief executive Alex Bartlett said: “We have a long history with the island in the production and marketing of Jersey Royal potatoes and in supporting the future of Jersey agriculture. Our purchase of JRC enhances that level of commitment and will allow us to build a compelling and sustainable future for our combined teams, growers and retail partners by delivering a great consumer proposition.

“There will be lots of hard work ahead, but it is an exciting time for the famous Jersey Royal potato.”

Produce Investments’ group chief financial officer, Rachel Cook-Coulson, added: “We are really proud of our Jersey business and our team who have done a great job for our customers and in continuing the rich history of the Jersey Royal potato. However we have a responsibility to look forward and ensure that great tradition continues.

“With current pressures in the supply chain and changing market dynamics we believe a consolidated approach to producing and marketing this unique product is needed. Following detailed discussions we believe Albert Bartlett are best placed to take Jersey forward.”