£10m Boost For UK Retail Vegetable Supply As ESG Drysdale Expands
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UK supermarkets are set to benefit from increased processing capacity and enhanced supply chain resilience following a £10 million funding package secured by leading domestic vegetable grower-packer ESG Drysdale.
The Scottish business has obtained the investment from Royal Bank of Scotland to accelerate the next phase of its expansion, including the development of new production facilities and upgrades across its operations.
Already a major supplier of brassicas and root vegetables to UK supermarkets, the investment is expected to increase ESG Drysdale’s output, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen year-round vegetable supplies for retail customers.
“We’ve built strong momentum over the past two years, and this funding allows us to accelerate plans,” revealed John Inglis, Commercial Director at ESG Drysdale, which produces and packs crops including: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, leeks, and swede.
“The new funding gives us the capacity to further invest in our production facilities, improve efficiency and expanding overall output, while continuing to broaden our crop range and strengthen relationships with key customers.
“Ultimately, this will support our focus on year-round, seed-to-shelf supply, helping us deliver consistent quality and availability from across our network of growers,” Inglis added.
Operating across key growing regions in the Scottish Borders, Fife, and Angus, ESG Drysdale combines UK-grown production with a network of partner growers to provide consistent supply throughout the year.
For retailers, the investment is expected to deliver greater processing capacity and improved continuity of supply at a time when supermarkets continue to prioritise secure, efficient, and resilient sourcing partnerships.
The funding package has been delivered through a combination of support from Royal Bank of Scotland, Lombard, and RBS Invoice Finance and will enable ESG Drysdale to scale its operations further as customer demand grows.
“ESG Drysdale plays an important role in the Scottish agri-food sector and in supplying fresh produce to customers across the UK,” explained John Mills, Relationship Director for Corporate Banking at Royal Bank of Scotland.
“We’re pleased to support the next phase of growth for a business that is strengthening resilience and creating a fairer, more direct link between farmers and key customers.”
Significant Expansion With More To Come
ESG Drysdale has undergone significant expansion since becoming part of East of Scotland Growers in 2023.
The co-operative structure has strengthened supply chain integration, creating closer links between growers and customers while improving visibility and control throughout the production process.
Over the past two years, ESG Drysdale has more than doubled its turnover to over £50 million, supported by higher volumes, improved asset utilisation, and a broader product offering.
Further investment is planned as the business continues to expand its capabilities long-term.
The new £10m financing agreement follows ESG Drysdale’s move to Royal Bank of Scotland earlier this year, with the bank working closely alongside the business to support its growth ambitions.
For supermarket buyers, this latest investment signals further strengthening of domestic vegetable supply infrastructure, helping to support year-round availability of key produce lines while increasing the efficiency and resilience of UK-grown supply chains.
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