Armagh enterprise marks 60 years at the forefront of our ‘green’ revolution
Vegetable shoppers here are able to enjoy a broad range of locally grown produce
from the enterprise of a teenage entrepreneur in Co Armagh that dates back 60
years.
Farmer’s son Thomas Gilpin left school at 15 to work on the family farm near
Loughgall and was eventually to make a major contribution to the agri-food industry
through Gilfresh Produce the progressive food business he formed. The business
recently celebrated its 60 th anniversary.
Conscious of the growing demand for fresh vegetables for healthier diets, Thomas
started growing a small amount of scallions and cabbages in a four-acre field and
initially began selling the produce at markets in Belfast.
Today, the Gilfresh grows a broad range of vegetables, processes and packs them
for virtually all the main supermarkets on the island. The company, in addition, has
produced innovative vegetable packs for convenience. It grows all categories of
brassicas, roots, salads and even pumpkins!
The first taste of supplying retail customers came in the 1980s, when the growing
reputation of the business for fresh and quality vegetables led to an approach from
the then Stewarts Supermarkets, now Tesco, for produce. Tesco continues as a
customer.
The family business continued to grow and expand in terms of fresh and then
packaged produce, as well as in growing acreage and people. As a result, it is now
widely acclaimed for the consistent quality and innovation of its produce.
William, Thomas’s son, joined the business full time in 1999 and now leads the team
from a state-of the-art processing and packing facility at Loughgall.
Gilfresh Produce has grown to become one of the most impressive family
enterprises in the strategically important agri-food sector here.
Significantly, sustainability is at the heart of everything this enterprising local
company does. “As a leader in the fresh produce industry, we recognise our
responsibility to care for the environment, support our communities, and drive long-
term economic resilience,” explains William.
Central to this focus on sustainability is an impressive bio digester which turns waste
into electricity to power the fast growing business.
