Fountain Plants, a prominent UK supplier of vegetables and plants, has entered into a strategic partnership with Solum Partners, a U.S.-based investment management company. This collaboration is set to enhance Fountain Plants’ operational capabilities while accelerating growth to address the increasing demand for premium brassica, lettuce, and leek plants.
The specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed, and Solum Partners has yet to respond to requests for additional comments regarding the deal.
In his statement, Robin Fountain, director of Fountain Plants, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are extremely excited to announce this new partnership with Solum, and look forward to continuing to serve our customers across the UK.”
Colin Butterfield, CEO of Solum Partners, also commented on the alliance, highlighting the exceptional foundation laid by Robin and his family. He noted, “Robin and his family have created an industry-leading business that provides a critical service to the agricultural sector in the UK. We are looking forward to partnering with them to expand this business and to ensure that Fountain Plants continues to produce the highest quality vegetable plants in the region.”
Founded in 1964 by Roy and Thelma Fountain, the company has evolved from a modest family operation to a professional entity managing over 50 acres of greenhouses. Today, Fountain Plants specializes in the production of young plants, including a variety of brassicas and leeks. The company aims to increase its glasshouse capacity, further solidifying its position within the competitive food and beverage industry.
Solum Partners currently manages approximately $1.9 billion in assets and is primarily focused on agriculture and food production investments. The firm, which emerged from Harvard Management Company in October 2020, successfully closed its Solum Partners Fund II at $850 million in April of the previous year. This fund’s investments cover a wide range of crops globally, including almonds, apples, berries, and coffee.
At the fund’s closure, Butterfield stated, “Through our unique owner-operator approach, we are proud to partner with farmers and industry leaders to not only provide capital but also foster operational improvements and leverage vertical integration to ensure they are at the forefront of the industry and positioned for continued and accelerated success.”
In line with this growth trajectory, Solum Partners and fresh produce company Alpine Fresh recently divested Bomarea and AvoAmerica Peru to Unifrutti Group, a fresh fruit producer and distributor, further underscoring their strategic focus on the food and drink business.
As the food and drink consumer trends continue to evolve, this partnership aligns with the industry’s trajectory, marking a significant step forward for both Fountain Plants and Solum Partners in a landscape characterized by innovation and demand for high-quality products.
