About us

The McGuffie family farming operation at New Farm began in 1960 as a mixed farm of arable and livestock, now third generation brothers David & Stephen McGuffie run the company.

Fruit growing was started by our Father as a pick your own operation in the early 1970’s. By the mid 1980’s the business began to serve J Sainsbury and in 1992 the company decided to strengthen its marketing position by joining KG Fruits now trading as Berry Gardens.

Gone is the PYO and today all the fruit is destined for the major multiples, primarily Sainsbury with around 75% of strawberry production and all the raspberries under Spanish tunnels.

In 2001 a new pack-house facility was built for soft fruit packing. Rapid high humidity cooling and storage, with temperature controlled packing room are standard features. In 2003 a four lane packing line with auto check weighing was installed to improve packing capacity.

Asparagus was started in 1985 as a complimentary crop; starting earlier than strawberries it was offering an opportunity to extend the harvest season with a speciality crop. Sales were through our Farm Shop along with other independent outlets. Supplying multiples started in 2000 and since then we have been developing new growing techniques along with protected cropping systems to improve quality and presentation of the crop.

In 2003 we were successful winners of the Soft Fruit Grower of the Year Award in recognition of our achievements. We continue to focus our efforts on high quality produce making the best use of all resources available to us.

In 2005 packing facilities were extended with a new dedicated asparagus Packhouse incorporating the latest technology in processing machinery. Very soon we were contract-processing product for other growers for supermarket supply, which has rapidly grown.

In 2008 we doubled our processing capacity and cold storage facilities to accommodate increased production. As ever-increasing labour costs challenge our business, to meet this challenge we are very focused on maximising output in all areas of production and harvesting.

In 2006 we have developed a new technique for asparagus bringing the asparagus crop early by heating soil. In 2007 we installed some air source heat pumps to heat the crop and in 2008 we have been awarded “ Grower of the Year” in the category of Science into Practice – Asparagus Heating Project .

In 2005 we took delivery of our first strawberry-harvesting rig and were instrumental in developing systems to demonstrate the potential of this investment. With the experience of our first year we invested in a further two machines for 2006 and again have seen continued cost benefits with increased productivity. With on going development we believe further benefits will be achieved through using the rigs for a range of other cultural tasks.

It has not been our desire to expand production at an ever-increasing rate but rather to embark on achieving high levels of output/ha of the very best quality. With diminishing margins we need to remain very focussed on costs, to ensure our operation is managed efficiently. By constantly reviewing our current systems and embracing new technology we are confident that we will continue to succeed.

Our success is not only measured in financial terms, but also in our efforts to be ambassadors for the environment. In 2004 we planted one hectare of native woodland species. We have enhanced our wildlife around the farm with areas of natural regeneration and more recently we are part of Sainsburys operation Bumble Bee, an initiative aimed at increasing specific wildlife species by sowing selected grass mixtures to enhance their habitat.

Despite many changes over recent years’ in our sector of farming we believe our overall success has been achieved with our “hands on” approach. Through careful management, a good team, and technical ability we hope to make the right decisions but we continue to be passionate about growing and have a real determination to succeed.

FARM FACTS 2008