Farmison reopens for business as ex-Asda boss Clarke takes reins

Farmison has begun “a phased reopening” after it was given the necessary go-ahead by the Food Standards Agency.

The etailer, which also wholesales to big-name retailers such as Fortnum & Mason, Harrods and Selfridges, has started selling the heritage breeds for which it was well known and will gradually add to its range over the coming weeks. Farmison will reopen the store at its Ripon headquarters this week.

Since the acquisition by Clarke and investors including Chilli Marketing’s Gareth Whittle, Christian Barton and Kieron Barton – famous for building the Rekorderlig cider brand in the UK – Farmison has rehired “key leaders” in operations, supply and butchery, and aims to bring back 50 former employees.

Clarke, who is now Farmison’s executive chair, said: “I want to give a massive thank you to the Farmison team who’ve acted with incredible speed to bring the business back to life, and to our farmers across Yorkshire and the North who are determined to support the business get back on its feet.

“We’ve been absolutely bowled over by the messages of support from colleagues, customers and suppliers since taking ownership.

“It will be some weeks yet before we have our full ranges back online, but we thank every one of the customers who’ve sent us those messages of encouragement and support over the past few weeks. We look forward to serving them once more in the days, weeks and months ahead.”