Farmison & Co, the North Yorkshire-based online butcher bought last week by a consortium led by ex-Asda CEO Andy Clarke, said today it is to begin a phased re-opening of operations.

A selection of heritage breeds will go on sale online, with more ranges gradually brought back to the website over the weeks ahead. Its Ripon shop and click-and-collect location, Cut by Farmison, will also re-open later this week.

The business went into administration in early April, with more than 75 staff losing their jobs and FRP taking charge of the assets when trading ceased. 

A statement released this morning by the firm said that since its acquisition, there has been significant work done to start bringing the business back to life, including:

  • After a certification inspection at its Ripon headquarters, the Food Standards Agency has given Farmison the green light to restart operations.
  • The business has re-engaged key leaders in operations, supply and its butchery department – part of a plan to re-recruit more than 50 people over the course of the coming months.
  • It has obtained commitments from its farming partners across the north of England, that they will continue to supply Farmison with grass-fed, heritage breed meat that is at the heart of the business.

The sustainable online meat retailer was acquired last week by a consortium led by well-known Yorkshire retailer Andy Clarke and Chilli Marketing’s Gareth Whittle, Christian Barton and Kieron Barton.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

New executive chairman Mr Clarke 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 of course to our farmers across Yorkshire and the North, who are determined to support the business get back on its feet.

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

“It will be some weeks yet before we have our full ranges back online, but we thank each and every one of the customers who’ve sent us those messages of encouragement and support over the past few weeks. It means the world to the whole Farmison team.

“We look forward to serving them once more in the days, weeks and months ahead.”

Farmison & Co sells online directly to customers across the UK, and through wholesale channels such as Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Michelin star restaurants.