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May 2023

Last Updated: 08/05/2023

Business

Ripon firm Farmison begins phased re-opening today

by John Plummer

| 08 May, 2023

Ripon online butcher Farmison & Co is to start selling some items again today.

The company, which was acquired from administration last month by a consortium led by ex-Asda chief executive Andy Clarke, will sell a selection of heritage breeds here.

More ranges will be brought back to the website over the weeks ahead.

The company's Ripon shop at Bondgate Green and click-and-collect location, ‘Cut by Farmison’, will also re-open this week.

Farmison is in the process of recruiting 50 staff and re-engaging suppliers after it ceased trading on April 6 and entered administration.

Now, after a certification inspection at its Ripon headquarters, the Food Standards Agency has given the company the green light to restart operations.

It has obtained commitments from farming partners in the north of England, that they will continue to supply Farmison with the grass-fed, heritage breed meat that is at the heart of the firm's customer promise to 'eat better meat'.

The sustainable online meat retailer was acquired last week by a consortium led by Mr Clarke and Chilli Marketing’s Gareth Whittle, Christian Barton and Kieron Barton.

Initial ranges available to customers online include 32-day dry-aged rib steak, handmade hot dogs and Farmison & Co’s signature cut dry aged sirloin steak alongside pork, chicken and lamb.

Executive chairman Mr Clarke said:

“I want to give a massive thank you to the Farmison team who’ve acted with incredible speed to bring the business back to life – and of course to our farmers across Yorkshire and the north, who are determined to support the business get back on its feet.

“We’ve been absolutely bowled over by the messages of support from colleagues, customers and suppliers since taking ownership of the business.

“It will be some weeks yet before we have our full ranges back online, but we thank each and every one of the customers who’ve sent us those messages of encouragement and support over the past few weeks. It means the world to the whole Farmison team."

Farmison & Co sells online directly to customers across the UK, and through wholesale channels such as Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Michelin star restaurants.

Hot Seat: Bringing Ripon firm Farmison back to life

Ripon firm Farmison begins hiring staff as it prepares for comeback