Lodders Life Issue 11: Sandfields Farms

Sandfields Farms, part of the G’s Group, one of Europe’s leading fresh produce companies, has specialised in the production of British spring onions, asparagus, seasonal fresh legumes, and pumpkins for over 17 years.  

Over 1,600 hectares of crops are grown by the farm, including cereals and a range of salad and vegetables for supply to multiple UK retail and wholesale customers. Sandfields Farms‘ main farming base is in the Warwickshire village of Luddington, with crops grown across a 35-mile radius. 

Now it is set to branch out even further following a bold new strategic investment in a family-owned business AS Green Ltd, one of the UK’s leading growers of Tenderstem® broccoli. 

The investment creates a partnership with decades of expertise, a shared commitment to sustainability, and a passion and vision for long-term resilience in British agriculture.  

Rooted in tradition 

Rich in history and legacy, AS Green has been providing fresh produce since 1901. Today, the business farms more than 700 hectares across the picturesque Three Counties – Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire.   

To build on the existing growth of the business, the Green family sought additional management expertise and saw Sandfields Farms under the leadership of managing director Derek Wilkinson as the ideal fit. And so, in April 2025, Sandfields, which also has an operation in Senegal, West Africa, made a 50% investment in the Green family’s vegetable growing business.  

“Life is all about relationships and working with people you can trust.” Derek explained. “We have worked closely with the Green family for many years, and they have developed a fantastic business that is founded on quality, care, and trusted partnerships. By working together, we will add greater resilience through integration of systems, innovation, and access to a broader farming base.” 

The move gives AS Green a foothold in valuable farmland across Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Kent, and Cambridgeshire, whilst unlocking infrastructure, logistical support, and the integration of systems that will streamline operations and drive economies of scale. The business is now well positioned to build on the significant growth it has enjoyed over the last 17 years. 

The delicate art of growing Tenderstem® 

AS Green started growing Tenderstem 18 years ago with a humble two hectares. Today, it spans more than 650 hectares. But growing the crop is not for the faint-hearted, with Tenderstem requiring a great deal of nurturing in both planting and harvesting. The Greens’ dedication to cultivating the crop paid off in 2007 when it became one of the first ever UK growers to deliver English Tenderstem broccoli to supermarket shelves. Previously it had all been imported, predominantly from Kenya and other African countries. 

Bitesize facts 

• Tenderstem is a registered trademark owned by seed growing specialists Sakata UK Limited 
• The UK Tenderstem season runs from June to November 
• Over half of annual Tenderstem broccoli sold is grown in the UK

Superstems  

Tenderstem was first produced in Japan in 1993, a result of breeding Chinese kale with broccoli. Since then, it has earned a loyal following thanks to its unique blend of nutty flavour, tender yet crunchy texture, and impressive versatility (it is even air-fryer friendly!) 

Often hailed as ‘broccoli but better,’ Tenderstem can elevate everyday meals or be used as an easy upgrade for special occasions, offering a more versatile alternative to traditional broccoli. It’s nutritious too, being high in fibre, protein, folate, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.  

At the same time, the popularity of ‘homegrown’ vegetables is on the rise. UK retailers are working to increase the availability of British-grown produce, with the aim of cutting carbon emissions from imported fruits and vegetables. Indeed, consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of air-freighted goods, as well as the importance of quality, freshness, and sustainability in the food they put on their plates.  

Cultivating collaboration 

Lodders’ corporate law specialist Leanne Lawrence was pleased to advise Sandfields on the purchase of shares in AS Green. Highly experienced in handling business transactions for family businesses of all sizes, she understands the importance of discretion and judiciousness when investing in an established family-run firm.   

“Buying into a family business carries emotion and legacy,” Leanne explained. “We worked collaboratively to protect everyone’s interests and values.” 

Derek said: “Leanne was fantastic – very patient, proactive, and efficient. She pulled out all the stops to make this happen, helping to facilitate the agreement with sensitivity and skill.” 

Sowing the seeds of a fruitful future 

With new vegetable packing facilities on the horizon and shared plans to drive innovation, the partnership is set to strengthen and grow both businesses. For the Green family, it means access to land and management expertise to scale up operations. For Sandfields, it is an expansion into one of the UK’s most in-demand crops with a trusted, seasoned partner. 

Together, the farms are sowing the seeds of a sustainable, resilient, and collaborative future for British vegetable growing. 

This article first appeared in Issue 11 of our client magazine, Lodders Life. Read this and more articles here.