Ambitious Greyfriars set to be sold

QV Foods, which is based in Holbeach, Lincs, has signed a deal which is expected to lead to the acquisition of Greyfriars in January.

Ripon-based Greyfriars has 90 staff.

Commenting on the sale, Greyfriars chairman, John Smith said: “Greyfriars has always been an ambitious company.

“Since its incorporation 25 years ago it has seen its annual turnover rise from £400,000 to more than £14m with its initial mushroom offer being augmented with a wide variety of other fresh produce lines majoring on garlic, sweetcorn, organics and squashes. Its profit performance has been equally solid.

“There are ambitious plans for further growth. However, it is important to recognise the emerging economic realities – particularly as they relate to the scale of investment required to take advantage of our opportunities.”

“I felt the time was right for Greyfriars to align itself with a much bigger operation.”