Staples Vegetables, a major UK supplier of fresh and organic vegetables, has entered into a strategic partnership with Solum Partners, an investment firm focused on vertically integrated food supply chain businesses.
Staples operates an end-to-end production and logistics model that includes farming, harvesting, packing, cold storage, and distribution through its own transport network. The company supplies leading national retailers and manages quality, reliability, and traceability through its integrated structure.
© Staples Vegetables
Under the new partnership, Staples plans to expand both its vegetable production activities and its energy division. The energy unit uses anaerobic digestion to convert crop residues and food-waste by-products into renewable natural gas (RNG) and electricity. The company recently completed an expansion of its RNG facility, which now supplies power for its operations and produces additional volumes for external use.
Vernon Read, who leads the company with his brother George, said the cooperation with Solum will support further development across the food and energy areas of the business. George Read said the partnership aligns with the company's long-term approach and will help support operational growth.
Solum Partners said Staples' model of combining fresh produce supply with energy generation from agricultural by-products fits the type of businesses it aims to invest in. Partner Derek Lister said Solum intends to work with Staples to increase efficiency and support regenerative practices across the supply chain.
The agreement maintains Staples' current management structure and its relationships with customers and landowners. Solum's investment is expected to support technology adoption, supply reliability, product quality initiatives, and broader sustainability measures across the company's operations.
For more information:
Solum Partners
Email: [email protected]
www.solumpartners.com
