George Read

George Read and his brother Vernon are totally passionate about producing the best quality crops at Staples Vegetables, growing a range of crops from cauliflower to courgettes, peas to potatoes – and one of George’s favourites, Tenderstem^® broccoli.

They were first encouraged to try growing Tenderstem^® broccoli by their customer Marks & Spencer and they’ve since had to increase their acreage to keep up with demand. George says, “There’s a demand for Tenderstem^® broccoli because it’s got a better all-round flavour than traditional broccoli, beating it hands down in sweetness, which makes it a favourite among kids. And its convenience is important too. You can just take it out of the packet with no need to chop and you have a seriously healthy convenience food.”

Barfoots

Barfoots is a family-run farm which has grown into an award-winning, global farming and food business that shares the same values as Tenderstem® with green credentials to match.

The farm’s success, under the stewardship of fifth-generation farmer and vegetable visionary Peter Barfoot CBE, stems from an uncompromising focus on quality, innovation and sustainability. Barfoots has been growing Tenderstem® in West Sussex and Hampshire since 2010 and now grows around 2,000 tonnes a year in the UK. Barfoots employs hundreds of people in its team during the UK growing season to ensure it can supply a consistent, reliable high-quality crop to major UK retailers and recipe box providers.

Barfoots’ coastal location has its own microclimate which is perfect for growing Tenderstem®. Planting starts early in March and finishes in early August. The milder climate ensures a slightly longer growing season, with hand harvesting starting towards the end of May and finishing in mid-November, weather (and sufficient labour) permitting.

Barfoots now grows, processes and packs a range of semi-exotic vegetables but its local roots and central philosophy to “look after the land like you are going to farm forever” have stood the farm in good stead as the business has grown. These core principles underline Barfoots’ integrity and align closely with the Tenderstem® brand values.

And Barfoots’ preferred way to enjoy Tenderstem®? “Keep it simple so the Tenderstem® is the hero…steamed, drizzled in a bit of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and a grind of black pepper and sea salt…delicious.”

Andrew & Caroline Green

Meet Andrew and Caroline Green—a husband and wife team to be reckoned with in the world of Tenderstem^® broccoli growing. Whether it’s cultivating a million Tenderstem^® broccoli plants, or delivering the earliest UK crop, they’ve been there and got the T-shirt.

“[Growing is] not for everyone,” Caroline says. “Tenderstem^® broccoli needs a lot of nurturing in the planting but also in the harvesting—you have to do it by hand. We pick it every three days or so. A day over and it’s passed its ultimate tenderness.”

They have previously used their innovative and secret methods to win the accolade of delivering the first English Tenderstem^® broccoli to supermarket shelves.

MWW Farms

MWW Farms is a family owned business and passionate about growing fresh and sustainable produce of the highest quality, both in the UK and overseas.

In the UK, MWW Farms grow a wide range of vegetables across legumes, alliums, cucurbits and, of course, Tenderstem®. Key farms are located across Worcestershire and, more recently, Herefordshire.

MWW’s journey into growing Tenderstem® began over 15 years ago as key retail clients saw the growing demand from their customers for high quality, British produce and they now grow over 1500 tonnes a year in the UK alone. Harvest takes place predominantly through the Summer months in the UK although they are increasingly able to grow crop deep into December. MWW are also able to maintain supply for their customers year-round from their own farms in Spain and Kenya.

Tenderstem® broccoli continues to see year on year growth supported by the brand’s reputation for ease of preparation, convenience and great taste as well as a shift in consumer diets towards vegetarian and vegan.

Chulu Farm

Chulu Farm is a family-run enterprise that has evolved into a beacon of sustainable and high-quality horticulture, reflecting the firm values of Tenderstem®. Nestled in the Mt. Kenya region of Nanyuki, this farm exemplifies green credentials and a commitment to community and environmental stewardship.

Under the leadership of CEO John Karuga, a second-generation farmer, and his daughters Nicola and Sharon, Chulu Farm has thrived on a foundation of quality, innovation, and sustainability. The farm has been cultivating Tenderstem® since 2018, producing approximately 100 tonnes annually. Their team, which expands during the peak seasons, ensures a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality Tenderstem® to major international markets.

The unique microclimate of the Nanyuki region, coupled with Chulu Farm's sustainable practices, creates ideal growing conditions for Tenderstem®. The farm's growing season typically spans from October to May, with planting occurring early and harvests beginning around week nine of each crop cycle. The farm’s reliance on local labour underscores its community-centric approach, drawing workers from neighbouring areas, with some traveling up to 500 kilometres.

Chulu Farm’s dedication to sustainability is evident in their use of organic fertilizers, crop rotation, and drip irrigation systems. These methods not only protect the environment but also ensure the highest quality produce. The farm’s philosophy to “nurture the land for future generations” aligns perfectly with Tenderstem®'s values, emphasizing integrity and long-term sustainability.

And how does Chulu Farm enjoy Tenderstem®? "Keep it simple and let the Tenderstem® shine - steamed, with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Simply delicious. We also eat the leaves, making for an excellent kale substitute”.