Local farmers W Clappison are set to cut out the middle man and become a direct supplier of sprouts to the supermarket industry.
The Beverley firm, founded in 1976 and who produce four per cent of the country’s sprouts, have used a £35,000 grant to enable them to package their sprouts ready for supermarket use.
Previously, they have been bulk growers, but the grant, courtesy of the Rural Enterprise Development Programme (REDP), has enabled the firm to upgrade their outbuildings and install machinery to pack loose sprouts into supermarket trays.
Managing director John Clappison is delighted with the development, and says it is a logical step in the firm’s continued growth as they can now supply the likes of Morrisons and Tesco.
He said: “We can now send sprouts direct to the supermarkets, which will add value to the produce of the farms while at the same time reducing the farm’s environmental footprint, by reducing haulage costs, saving almost 23 tonnes of CO2 in the first year alone.”
The grant came about after Clappison contacted the Regional Food Group (RFG) for Yorkshire and Humber following meetings with suppliers for Tesco.
The RFG contacted Yorkshire Forward, who manage the REDP, and within six months W Clappison had achieved the desired BRC certification to enable them to supply the supermarkets.
Clappison continued: “Working with the RFG has been very productive and the implementation of the grading unit has been invaluable due to the sheer volume of sprouts we produce.
“Receiving support to achieve the BRC certification will bring huge benefits to our business allowing us to supply retailers with stringent guidelines and expand our client base.”
RFG commercial director John Hendy was equally delighted with W Clappison’s progress.
He said: “It is well deserved and it further highlights the potential that Yorkshire produce has. We will continue to work with producers on gaining this certification because it reassures retailers and manufacturers of the capability and competence of a supplier, reducing the need for their own audits.”
W Clappison has been growing Brussels sprouts on its 235- acre plot in Risby since 1976. The company is responsible for four per cent of the UK’s total sprout production, which is worth £54m a year.
Pictures from the Beverley Food Festival 2009, Clappison family selling their locally grown sprouts.
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