The 11-acre site near Howden was specifically chosen because of the region’s strong agricultural heritage and proximity to the major motorway networks. This will enable the family-run company to serve both current and new customers.
The first mushrooms will be harvested this month. It will initially create 70 jobs, and this is planned to increase to 100 full-time roles by the end of 2017. Its design, using a system believed to be the only one of its kind in the world, will transform working conditions for staff while also cost-effectively producing mushrooms of the very highest quality.
Energy efficiency and sustainability
The site is designed to be the most energy-efficient mushroom production facility in the UK, equipped with industry-leading technology to improve quality and reduce waste, while reducing road-miles and emissions by being geographically closer to customers.
The advanced technology used at Hughes’ new facility also means the plant requires significantly less land than traditional mushroom production facilities which use polytunnels.
Business growth
Hughes, based at Dungannon in Co Tyrone, has doubled turnover in the past six years by supplying most of the main UK retailers with produce from 20 independent growers.
“We believe the scale and ambition of our investment is unprecedented in the UK mushroom industry and the world-class facility we’re creating in East Yorkshire is unrivalled in Europe," states Emmet Hughes, Director at Hughes Mushrooms
“This state-of-the-art, efficient and environmentally friendly mushroom production operation has been developed after extensive research with some of the world’s most successful producers to meet the demands and challenges of the modern industry.
"We have simply taken all that is good in current mushroom growing and modified it to suit our needs and challenges. At this stage, we’re unable to go into further detail about our harvesting methods – some of this information is commercially sensitive, however our focus has been trying to improve on efficiency in all aspects of the business. Without giving away any trade secrets, the main benefits to the pickers will be related to posture," explains Emmet.
“As a business, this has been part of our growth strategy for several years, but it is particularly timely as the UK prepares to leave the European Union. Many current and potential customers are already prioritising suppliers who are UK-based and prepared to invest in the future, and industry commentators have been saying for some time that the volume of British produce needs to be increased.”
The new site in England will be additional and complementary to the company’s activities in Northern Ireland and will enable it to continue to meet growing demand, with particular focus on premium lines, while developing new product lines.
"Our initial focus will be on growing our own mushrooms at Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, but alliances with local growers is something we have looked into and will consider depending on demand.
Emmet goes on to say that the scale of production, ultimately, will depend on the customers secured and the demand for our products.
"Initially we will focus on the key volume demand lines of white and chestnut mushrooms. However, we will attempt to add value and innovation throughout our process over time."
The Hughes family
Hughes currently supplies 230 tonnes of mushrooms per week to retailers throughout the UK, as well as producing its own range of prepared mushroom meal solutions.
A family business established in 1964, Hughes is the largest supplier of pre-packed mushrooms in Northern Ireland. The business supports mushroom growers locally by providing 85% of local produce for distribution to outlets across the UK. Over 90% of its sales are to major retail groups.
For more onformation:
Christine Jarvis
Tel +44 1482 649343
christine.jarvis@bluestormdesign.co.uk