Blackdown Growers

Established in 1969, Blackdown Growers is a family run business based in Warwickshire, who specialise in growing and supplying salads and herbs over 180 acres of farmland, with 40 acres of this dedicated to climate-controlled glasshouses.  Blackdown Growers take an innovative approach to growing methods and are committed to providing the freshest, highest quality produce.

Blackdown Growers have been supplying Oliver Kay since 2013.

We asked Alex Tang, Sales Manager at Blackdown Growers to tell us more. 

How long have you worked at Blackdown Growers?  

I have worked here since October 2018, so almost 6 years. 

What does a typical working day look like for you?

My first few hours of the day consist of speaking to customers through the phone, WhatsApp or emails. After processing all the orders for the day, I arrange and book transport to make sure all customers receive their produce for the same night. 

Then, after maybe my 3^rd coffee for the day, I assist with operations as needed, and if not, I analyse various sales data and plan the following days/weeks. 

What do you enjoy most about the industry? 

I enjoy the fast-paced atmosphere the food and agricultural industry provides. As produce shelf life is short, a quick turnaround is essential, and this urgency creates unique and interesting challenges. 

Talk us through Blackdown Growers produce range. 

Our product range consists of 20 herb varieties and 10 salad leaf varieties that we supply year-round. Over the summer months, we supply most of these products, especially the salad leaves, from our own UK supply as we are able to grow crops in both our fields and glasshouses. However, during the winter months, when outdoor growing is not possible, we supplement our supply from our trusted European partners based in Italy, Spain and the South of France, all of whom we have worked with for many years. 
 
All our products are harvested, packed and transported directly to customers within 24 hours ensuring they receive the product at its optimal freshness. We use our onsite vacuum coolers to keep the products at ideal temperature before being dispatched or packaged, and the products are sent out in our refrigerated lorries to ensure it remains fresh during the journey.  

What are the biggest challenges that you face in the industry? 

This industry faces multiple challenges, but for Blackdown Growers unpredictable weather conditions that affect our growing schedules and global economic issues which impact the prices of seeds and fertilisers are among the most impactful. Unfortunately, these factors then have a knock-on effect on our operations and overall products costs. 

Is there any interesting facts about your produce?  

‘Unwashed, Fresher for Longer’ is our slogan at Blackdown Growers. Through our experience we know our produce stays fresher for longer and in its tip top condition when it reaches our customers if we leave it unwashed when it leaves our farms. It also avoids a larger amount of food waste with salad not getting thrown away as quickly. All unwashed products will clearly state wash before eating on them. 

Tell us an interesting fact about you. 

When I’m not working, I can usually be found rock climbing around the country, with my favourite destination being the Peak District.