Riverford Celebrates 30 Years In The Business Of Keeping Britain Healthy

Riverford Organic Farmers celebrates 30th anniversary at an annual franchise conference with their network of franchisees.

Thirty years ago, founder Guy Watson planted the seeds of his successful franchise Riverford Organic Farmers in his parent’s farm in Devon. Today, the national veg box delivery scheme business celebrates its 30th anniversary with family of franchisees and friends.

The festival themed event took place on Riverford’s Organic Farm in a double tipi tent pitched by one of the farm’s reservoirs. Franchisees and their families came from all over the UK and South Wales to attend the event that was catered by Riverford’s award-winning restaurant, The Field Kitchen. The event also featured interactive business workshops and talks.

Guy Watson gave an inspirational speech about Riverford’s journey over the last 30 years and his plans to make Riverford Organic Farms an employee owned franchise business company in 2018. The fun-packed celebration got cracking with an awards ceremony followed by live music that played on late into the night.

The Franchisee of the Year 2017 accolade was awarded to Liverpool and Warrington franchisee, Matt Wilson whose franchise has seen sales grow by a spectacular 47% since he started in May 2015. Gareth and Gill Rossiter, franchisees from Dorset won second prize in recognition for excellence in customer care and retention. Awards were also given to Stephen Spears of Brighton, Adam and Claire Brown of Norwich and David and Emma Shulman of St Albans. Riverford’s Organic Farm’s franchise services manager, Nigel Loveridge said: “Our annual conference is an important date in Riverford’s calendar. It’s an opportunity for the franchise network to get together, find out what direction the business is taking over the next year and acknowledge and reward those that have worked hard over the last year”.