by Jodie Simm | Sep 12, 2025 | News
UNBELEAFABLE news! We’re thrilled to share that GrowUp Farms’ Zesty Baby Leaves have been shortlisted as finalists in the “All-Year Round Salad” category at the UK Quality Food Awards 2025!
These prestigious awards have been celebrating the very best in food and drink for more than 45 years, with over 100 expert judges from across the industry. They know quality when they taste it, which makes this nomination extra special for us.
A Fresh Take on Salad
When we launched Zesty Baby Leaves in 2024, our goal was simple: to make salads exciting again. By adding punchy, flavour-packed sorrel to our mix, we created something that delivers a refreshing, citrusy kick in every bite. 🍋🥗
Whether you’re jazzing up a weekday lunch or serving a fresh side at dinner, our Zesty Baby Leaves bring that perfect balance of zest and crunch.
Where to Find Zesty Baby Leaves
If you haven’t tried them yet, you can pick up our Zesty Baby Leaves at:
🛒 Tesco
🛒 Booths
🛒 Ocado
🛒 Sainsbury’s
🛒 Morrisons
by Jodie Simm | Aug 18, 2025 | News
Our Impact Director, Gillon Dobie, recently shared his thoughts in the Environment Journal on how the UK Government can help unlock the full potential of agri-tech.
In his article, Gillon highlights the incredible innovation happening across the sector, from laser weeding robots and autonomous drones to satellite remote sensing, data-driven farming, and vertical farming. These technologies are helping solve some of the biggest challenges in UK horticulture, including tight profit margins, climate pressures like floods and droughts, and the country’s reliance on imports.
Gillon emphasises that the UK already has the talent, tools, and passion to transform food production. What’s needed now is supportive government policy to help agri-tech thrive, increase domestic vegetable production, and make fresh, healthy food more accessible to everyone.
Read the full article here to see Gillon’s insights and examples of how agri-tech is shaping the future of sustainable farming in the UK.
by Jodie Simm | Aug 14, 2025 | News
Big news! Our very own Tom Webster has been named a finalist for the Sustainable Farmer of the Year award at the British Farming Awards 2025.
In October, Tom will be heading to the big event, sponsored by Morrisons, to celebrate alongside some of the UK’s most inspiring farmers. It’s a huge moment for us and a brilliant recognition of the work we’ve put into making vertical farming a big part of Britain’s sustainable food future.
At GrowUp, we’re all about growing fresh salad, without pesticides, all year round, while cutting down food miles and looking after the planet. This nomination is one of those “pinch me” moments that remind us why we do what we do.
by Jodie Simm | Jul 23, 2025 | News
The Times recently spoke to our CEO, Mike Hedges, about the future of vertical farming and how GrowUp Farms is scaling up to meet Britain’s demand for sustainable, locally grown food.
Mike, who joined as CEO in November 2024, has already overseen a 50% increase in production. Drawing on his experience leading high-growth food brands like Little Moons, Proper Snacks, and Tyrrells, he’s helping guide GrowUp Farms through its next stage of growth.
His philosophy is simple: focus on doing one thing exceptionally well.
“We’ve been able to do a brilliant job of just growing lettuce. You see so many others who failed have diversified into trying to grow different types of crops. What we’ve done is just concentrate on being the best at what we do.”
Founded in 2013 by Kate Hofman and Tom Webster, GrowUp Farms began in a converted shipping container supplying Borough Market. Over the past decade, the company has raised £100 million in investment, including £38 million from sustainable infrastructure investor Generate Capital in 2024.
With UK salad harvests under pressure from changing weather patterns, Mike believes vertical farming is reaching an inflection point:
“Retailers need resilience in their supply chain. They need to increase their sustainability agenda. And vertical farming will be a cornerstone of supermarket supply chains.”
Read the full article here.
by Jodie Simm | Jul 18, 2025 | News
A new nationwide survey commissioned by GrowUp Farms has found that the majority of UK shoppers are actively looking for more homegrown fruit and vegetables. The research, conducted with 2,000 UK adults, highlights a strong appetite for locally produced food and a desire for greater transparency about where produce comes from.
The findings show that eight in ten people are trying to add more British-grown produce to their baskets, while three in four say they would pay more for UK-grown options. Despite this, only six per cent of respondents know where their food is grown – and two-thirds want that to change.
Our Managing Director, Will Howard commented:
“There’s real power in choosing local – it means fewer food miles, fresher taste, and more support for British farmers. But there is still a lot more to be done.”
The story has received widespread media attention, appearing in the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, The Sun and Daily Star, as well as two print publications.
by Jodie Simm | Jun 27, 2025 | News
The UK Government’s new 10-year Industrial Strategy has officially recognised agri-tech as one of the nation’s “frontier sectors”, alongside industries such as aerospace and advanced materials. This milestone reflects the growing innovation, collaboration, and commercial potential of agriculture technology in the UK.
The strategy includes a £200 million commitment to the Farming Innovation Programme, running until 2030. This investment will help agri-tech businesses, like GrowUp Farms, scale up solutions that can tackle some of the biggest challenges in food production and sustainability.
Agri-tech’s importance is clear. As Richard Waite from the World Resources Institute puts it:
“Worried about biodiversity loss? Focus on food.
Worried about deforestation? Focus on food.
Worried about overfishing? Focus on food.
Worried about climate change? Focus on energy. And food.”
With the number of UK agri-tech startups increasing 40-fold in the past decade (UK Research and Innovation), this recognition signals a new era for innovation in farming. It’s an opportunity to strengthen the UK’s food system, reduce environmental impacts, and ensure greater resilience in the supply chain.
At GrowUp Farms, our purpose is to change the world by growing better. This platform gives our sector the visibility and support needed to keep developing sustainable, technology-driven solutions for the UK and beyond.
