At Mellors, we are passionate about supporting local farmers and producers who share our commitment to freshness and quality. One gem in our network of suppliers is Gore Hall Farm, near Southport. This farm is a family affair, run by seventh-generation farmers, brothers David and Richard Cropper, alongside their father, John. Together, they manage a huge 500 acres of fertile West Lancashire farmland.
Gore Hall Farm is a salad lover's paradise, specialising in a variety of crisp, fresh lettuces (Iceberg, Romaine, Little Gem, and Flat Lettuce) and the most succulent, crunchy celery you've ever tasted! The Croppers' meticulous care and attention to detail ensure top-notch produce every time.
The farming season at Gore Hall kicks off in November, when the Croppers nurture sapling plants through the winter months in preparation for planting in the following March. Protective fleeces shield the crops from frost, keeping them warm and toasty, ready to be served on Mellors plates across the North of England and the Midlands.
Typically, Gore Hall Farms produce goes from farm to fork within a speedy 48 hours (maximum). This helps lock in the freshness, quality, and nutrition – perfect for fuelling hungry minds! With over a whopping 20 million heads of fresh salad produced each year, Gore Hall Farm is an efficient operation. Each head of lettuce and celery is lovingly hand-picked by their dedicated team.
This year, growing conditions at Gore Hall, like many UK farms, have been challenging. Richard Cropper shares that prolonged periods of heavy rain have posed some challenges. While salad crops flourish in a typical British summer, extreme weather—whether too wet, dry, or hot—can disrupt the process.
Gore Hall takes sustainability seriously, actively taking part in numerous initiatives to protect their natural surroundings. They harvest their own water supply throughout the year, ensuring efficient and eco-friendly water usage. Around their fields, they plant a bumblebee-friendly flower mix, promoting biodiversity and supporting pollinators. The farm boasts various accreditations, including “Assured Produce” and an A-grade BRC Accreditation, reflecting their commitment to high standards.
Jonathan Thompson, Mellors Procurement Manager, says, "Partnering with Gore Hall Farm has been great. Their commitment to quality and freshness is fantastic and their produce consistently meets our high standards. The Cropper family's dedication to sustainable farming practices ensures that we can provide our customers with the best salads, straight from the fields to their plates. We truly value our partnership with such a reliable and passionate local supplier."
Did you know?
- Lettuce is an excellent source of beta carotene (vitamin A), essential for healthy skin, bones, and eyes.
- Celery belongs to the same family as carrots and parsley. Its benefits may include supporting heart health, aiding digestive function, suppressing inflammation, improving memory, and helping manage blood sugar levels.
Richard’s top tip for savouring these fresh salads?
Serve them at room temperature to unlock the best flavours!
Lettuce raise a toast to the Cropper family for their unwavering commitment to quality and freshness on Mellors plates around the North of England & Midlands!
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