Watts Farms HOME ABOUT US FOOD SERVICE RETAILERS WHOLESALE OUR FARMING CONTACT US CAREERS SHOP Our online store is now live! About Us From a small holding into a large business farming over 600 hectares, we've got a story to tell. Watts Farm is a family-run business which covers 10 sites in Kent, Essex and Bedfordshire. We farm over 600 hectares of land, growing 60 different crops and employing nearly 200 people. We supply over 500 restaurants (70% are within the fine dining sector) as well as working with major retailers, the NHS, other packers and a range of wholesalers. 1952 OUR STORY Donald Watts was a man that did things properly. From mucking out pigs to pulling rhubarb and planting strawberries he'd nearly always be seen in a shirt and tie. He made a great success of the farm. And, in fact, became colloquially known as the Kent King of Rhubarb. 1970 OUR STORY Donald’s wife, Joan, would sell much of the produce by the side of the road and eventually went on to run a green grocer's shop in Pet’s Wood. 1990 OUR STORY Avril, one of Donald’s and Joan’s daughters, took over the farm when her father died. She started trialling some herbs such as parsley and coriander. This was a new departure as very few farmers were growing herbs but London restaurants were in need of them. It was the start of an exciting speciality… 2000 OUR STORY Joe Cottingham joined our farm in 2000. He continued to expand our range and raised the farm’s productivity by introducing a wide range improvements. And his efforts were rewarded in 2008 when he was named Young Grower of the Year, aged just 34. TODAY OUR STORY Today we grow over 100 varieties of vegetables, fruits, salads and herbs. Our interest in and development of chillies has meant that we’re one of the UK’s largest chilli growers! OUR HISTORY Just after World War 1, Kent County Council offered smallholdings for soldiers returning from the war. Somewhat surprisingly, there wasn't much take up and the opportunity opened up to anyone that wanted to become a tenant farmer. Donald Watts, decided this was his chance. He'd grown up on a farm and had always dreamt of running his own. MORE Donald and Joan had three daughters who would all help out when needed. Avril, his youngest daughter, was a keen horsewoman and loved the farming way of life. As Donald got older and frailer, Avril ran the farm herself. When he was in his early 60's, Donald sadly passed away. As the farm was in his name, it looked like Avril and her mother were going to lose it. MORE Avril invested in a lorry and had expanded into potatoes, cabbages and some cereals. But as is the way with farming, there are good years and not so good years. And it's rarely enough to be "just" a good farmer. It's crucial to possess other business skills too. "While it may be said that every woman needs a good husband," Says Avril, "It's also true that every farmer needs a good salesman!" MORE YOU'LL FIND US: OFFERING HIGHLY SPECIALISED VARIETIES We specialise in producing innovative new varieties, so you can find what you're looking for all in one place. ABLE TO SUPPLY PRODUCE YEAR ROUND Check out our product catalogue for a full listing. EASY TO DO BUSINESS WITH We’re a friendly team here who will do our best to make sure you have everything you need. ASSURED AND ACCREDITED As you'd expect, our commitment to quality is backed up by the highest independent, industry evaluation. COMPETITIVELY PRICED As well as competitive, daily market prices, do talk to us about our fixed weekly and monthly options. SUPPLYING QUALITY INGREDIENTS We know reputations live and die by the quality of produce - whether that's ours or yours. The premium quality of our produce is something that is always prioritised here at Watts. GET IN TOUCH Watts Farms Unit 14 Quarry Wood Industrial Estate Aylesford Kent ME20 7NA Tel +44 (0) 1622 793 900 Email: sales@wattsfarms.co.uk HOW TO FIND US Copyright © 2012 Watts Farms Fresh Produce Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved. written by PamLloyd PR www.pamlloyd.com Registered in England and Wales No 07845324 Registered Office: Nexus House, 2 Cray Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 5DA