Farmison & Co appoints new CEO and partners with delivery service (2024)

Posted on Jun 14, 2023

After being acquired by a consortium led by Yorkshire retailer Andy Clarke, Farmison & Co, the sustainable online meat retailer has appointed a new chief executive officer and established a new partnership with delivery service Gopuff.

Andy Adco*ck, who spent almost 20 years in food and trading roles for both Marks and Spencer and Asda, takes up his leadership role at Farmison.

Also from this week, 12 core Farmison & Co products including bacon, sausages, chicken and steaks will be available for 15 minute delivery in Gopuff’s London delivery area. The new instant delivery service is just one element of significant work that has been taking place at Farmison & Co over the last 50 days under the new ownership of Andy Clarke and Chilli Marketing’s Gareth Whittle, Christian Barton and Kieron Barton.

Developments include:

• Jobs and Leadership – Alongside yesterday’s appointment of Andy Adco*ck as chief executive officer, the recruitment of over 40 colleagues at its Ripon base to support its re-opening programme. Farmison has plans in place to grow jobs further, to over 55 roles by the autumn. Most of the Farmison team are colleagues who worked for the business before the recent acquisition.

• Subscription Service – The re-launch of the online butcher’s subscription service which allows customers to save on meat boxes have also now been re-introduced in time for grilling season. Farmison & Co is offering a BBQ essentials meat box for £35.00, with a 10% discount.

• New Product Development – New product development that customers can access for the very first time. For example, Farmison is now offering highly accessible new BBQ rubs which for £7.95 for three, can “take al fresco eating to another level”.In its Fathers’ Day range released this week, new items include a bourbon and treacle Tomahawk steak developed by Farmison’s Michelin star chef Jeff Baker.

• Suppliers – Farmison has completed the work to bring its north of England network of farms and farmers back on board so it can continue to offer the grass-fed, heritage breed meat that its customers love in support of its new trading plans.

• Enhanced customer service – Farmison has put in place new arrangements with delivery partner DPD allowing it to offer customers free weekend delivery for the very first time in its trading history.

• Extended Click & Collect Hours – Its Ripon click and collect shop, Cut by Farmison, is now open at weekends so local residents and tourists taking advantage of the Yorkshire Dales can pick up their orders in person.

“We’ve made incredible progress over the last 50 days,” said Farmison & Co’s executive chairman Andy Clarke.

“And while there’s still plenty of work to do, our objective is to make sure Farmison comes back stronger than before.That’s why we’re investing in new ranges, enhanced service and new partnerships that bring more access to the incredible meat we offer.”

Customer and farmer feedback since Farmison & Co began trading again has been highly positive and sales have been “pleasing”.

Lindsey McIntyre from McIntyre Meats in Bainbridge said: “While the last few months have been difficult, suppliers like us need Farmison to be the success we know it deserves to be.

“I was pleased Andy Clarke came to see us in person after acquiring the business. I’m looking forward to him bringing the leadership Farmison needs to thrive and grow once more.”

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