UK herb producer Langmead Herbs has acquired specialist fresh-cut herbs company R&G Fresh for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition brings together two family-owned businesses and strengthens Langmead’s position across the fresh herb supply chain.
R&G Fresh, established in 1958, operates a state-of-the-art packing facility in Farnborough and is the sole supplier of fresh cut herbs to Waitrose. The business also has farming operations in Kenya, where it has invested in local communities.
The acquisition will add R&G Fresh’s fresh-cut herb operation and packing capacity to the Langmead Herbs business, which imports, grows and packs cut herbs alongside producing glasshouse-grown potted herbs.
Langmead, based in Sussex, is part of the wider Langmead Group, which has farming operations in Suffolk and Sussex producing herbs and spinach. The group has developed particular expertise in water resilience, packhouse innovation and environmental sustainability.
Ashley Haworth, managing director of Langmead Herbs, said: “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.
“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,” he added.
Mat Prestwich, owner of R&G Fresh, will remain with the business following the acquisition.
Prestwich, who has led R&G Fresh for 26 years, said: “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.
“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,” he added.
R&G Fresh was advised by Alvarez & Marsal.
