Staples Vegetables Partners With Solum For Food And Energy Expansion

One of the UK’s leading vegetable suppliers Staples Vegetables is joining forces with global agribusiness investment firm Solum Partners to fuel the growth, innovation, and sustainability initiatives that will position the family-run business for the future. 

Image: Staples Vegetables

The grower-supplier of fresh and organic vegetables explained in a press release that the strategic partnership will support the expansion of both its produce operation and energy division, which utilises anaerobic digestion to convert crop residuals and food-waste by-products into renewable natural gas (RNG) and electricity.

Solum Partners, a global investment firm specialising in vertically integrated food supply chain businesses, will support Staples in strengthening its supply reliability, accelerating technology adoption, further enhancing product quality, and advancing sustainability efforts across the value chain.

Lincolnshire-based Staples said it recently completed an expansion of its energy operations, enabling full-scale RNG production which powers its own operations with clean energy, lowers emissions, and generates a surplus for external off take.

Image: Staples Vegetables | George and Vernon Read

“Our integrated model allows us to reduce waste, lower emissions, and create a circular system where what we grow helps power how we grow,” noted Vernon Read, who heads up Staples Vegetables with his brother George.

Describing the development as a “proud moment for everyone”, George Read said the partnership builds on more than 70 years of family tradition while positioning the business for the future. 

“Solum’s expertise and long-term perspective will help us take that vision even further – ensuring we continue delivering reliability and value for our customers and land partners,” he explained.

Solum said it invests “thematically” across the fresh produce and food supply chain with a focus on vertical integration and active, hands-on management. 

“Staples Vegetables exemplifies the kind of innovative, sustainable agribusiness we aim to partner with,” commented Derek Lister, Partner at Solum Partners. 

“Vernon and George have built a business that not only provides fresh food but also generates clean energy from its own by-products. We look forward to working together to accelerate growth, efficiency, and regenerative practices that strengthen the entire supply chain at a time when sustainably sourced produce has become a top priority for retailers and a defining expectation among consumers.”

Founded in 1952, Staples supplies fresh vegetables to the nation’s leading retailers on a year-round basis from its sites across the UK. 

Source: Business Wire