Development

Business Structure

The business was started in 1990 with 15 acres of cauliflower and 10 acres of iceberg, today the business grows over 1,000 acres of lettuce. In 1996 PDM had grown to a point that it strategically separated into Philip Maddocks Farms and PDM Produce (UK) Ltd to ensure focus in the correct areas. Philip Maddocks Farms concentrates on the horticultural and growing management of the crops and PDM Produce focuses on customer service and marketing.

Horticultural Specialists

The farming enterprise is specialised in lettuce horticulture. Investment has been made in experienced and skilled horticultural staff to manage the crop through its growing cycle and to continually look at improving the growing techniques used. Pioneering investment has also been made into revolutionary automated planting methods. The aim is to achieve consistent planting for constant high quality lettuce heads at harvest time.

Environment

As growers we have great respect for the resource that we use. While we need to grow commercial crops we take our responsibility for caring for the environment seriously. We are a part of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) and Leaf Marque and other organisations where environmental issues are priority. During the winter months we plant non commercial crops rather than leaving the soil bare to ensure nutrients and soil structure is nurtured. We are always striving to find growing techniques to enhance the environment for the benefit of all.

Customer specifications

To ensure customer specifications are always met, significant development and research has been made in areas such as perfecting varieties for all seasons and adjusting planting spaces to achieve the correct sizes, weights and shelf life.

Programmes

Much effort is invested in programming crop production months before the first seed is planted to ensure the correct supply is available for each customer throughout the season.

New Products

From a horticultural perspective the business is continually trialling varieties to improve the quality of the lettuce, to offer new options in flavour, appearance and sizing.