Langmead Herbs has acquired family-run fresh-cut herb supplier R&G Fresh to reinforce its supply chain, increase production capacity and support future growth in a market shaped by evolving food and beverage industry trends.
Established in 1958 by Richard and Gloria Stevens, R&G Fresh—originally known as R&G Herbs—started as a backyard growing operation. The couple initially sold their herbs from a market stall in Covent Garden.
The business is recognised as one of the pioneers behind the adoption of fresh herbs in the UK. It has since developed into a third-generation family enterprise supplying premium fresh-cut herbs to the retail sector.
R&G Fresh is headquartered in Farnborough, Hampshire, and operates established farming sites in Kenya. The company is also Waitrose’s exclusive supplier of fresh-cut herbs.
Mat Prestwich, who has led the company for 26 years, will remain with the business as managing director following the acquisition.
“I am very proud of the business which we have built at R&G Fresh, and I am confident that there will be further success as part of Langmead Herbs,” said Prestwich.
“Both of these food-focused businesses provide customers and consumers with high quality products at a time when people are ever more interested in the ingredients they are using.”
Based in Sussex, Langmead Herbs imports, grows and packs cut herbs, while also producing potted herbs cultivated in glasshouses. Its revenue has increased from £13m to £29m over the past six years, reflecting wider food manufacturing trends and rising demand for fresh, convenient ingredients.
The company is part of the wider Langmead group, which maintains a substantial farming presence in Suffolk and Sussex. Its agricultural operations produce herbs and spinach, while the combined organisation will be positioned to respond to changing food and drink consumer trends.
“We are excited to be bringing together Langmead Herbs and R&G Fresh. As family businesses we share a common cultural approach and the combination makes great strategic sense for both of us,” commented Ashley Haworth, managing director of Langmead Herbs.
“In particular, we will have access to a stronger and more sustainable supply chain, great people, increased capacity and a state-of-the-art facility in Farnborough. This is a fantastic addition to the Langmead Herbs business.”
The acquisition also reflects broader priorities across food and drink industry innovation, including resilient sourcing, food and drink sustainability and investment in modern food processing technology. Stronger supply networks can help food businesses navigate changing food distribution trends, food and drink regulations, food and drink packaging requirements and evolving food and drink marketing strategies.
R&G Fresh received advisory support from Alvarez & Marsal.
