Rookery Farm in Holbeach St Johns, a specialist picking and packing firm for the horticulture industry, has been acquired by Sarah Raven Ltd. as part of the business’s growth plan and in response to increased demand.
Previously an arable farm, and in the Robinson family for over 100 years, Rookery Farm in South Lincolnshire is renowned for its growing, packing and despatching services to the horticultural industry. David and Elaine Robinson have built up the family-owned business over the past 20 years and, now with a team of over 50 permanent staff, will continue to run the business for the Sarah Raven Group.
The Sarah Raven brand was first established in 1999 and is now a market-leader in the consumer gardening industry, providing a range of seeds, seedlings, plants, and gardening and floristry kits.
Lou Farman, CEO at Sarah Raven, said: “We are excited to cement our long-standing partnership with Rookery Farm who has been our principal plant grower and handled our plant fulfilment for many years. This acquisition gives us the ability to increase capacity and will enable us to achieve our longer-term growth plans. The excellent Rookery Farm team will continue to manage the day-to-day business, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”
The acquisition of Rookery Farm comes as the Sarah Raven brand has seen significant growth in the previous two years. Bringing Rookery Farm under its operation will allow the brand to continue to grow and maximise the opportunity a growing market presents. To accommodate this anticipated expansion, Sarah Raven has plans to increase the size of the workforce at Rookery Farm and expand its operational site in due course.
David Robinson, previous owner of Rookery Farm, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the Sarah Raven Group, who we have worked so closely with over the last 13 years. This will allow us to continue to expand, both in terms of growing and fulfilment, and also as a key employer in the Spalding area.
“Our focus has been to raise and despatch plants with a continued emphasis on sustainability, reducing waste and recycling our water. We are looking forward to more opportunities in the future. Rookery Farm will continue with its policy of working with local suppliers, having spent over £3m with local companies in 2021.”
Councillor Nick Worth, South Holland District Council deputy leader and portfolio holder for people, places, economy, said: “This is a great move for everyone involved, and for the wider district of South Holland, and should bring significant investment into the area whilst seeing one of our many thriving horticultural businesses continue to grow.
“We have worked closely with Rookery Farm for many years now, to support them and provide help and advice as they have developed as a business. I look forward to us continuing this partnership as they move into this exciting new chapter with the Sarah Raven Group, helping to put some of the great work that takes place in South Holland on the map.”
