About Us
The Watercress Company was formed in 1994 by the acquisition of several independent family run watercress farms in Dorset and Hampshire and a packing facility in Hampshire. The initial production area for watercress was 18ha over 12 farms in the UK and a further 1.5ha in Jerez, Spain.
Landcrop production commenced in Dorset during 1994, producing baby leaf lettuce and spinach on a small scale. This was then replicated on our existing farm in Spain.
In 1995, with the encouragement of a major supermarket for a third supply source for watercress, The Watercress Company purchased a 182ha farm in Florida, USA. The initial development included watercress beds, packing and cooling facilities.
Our first year of organic watercress production in the UK was in 1999, and this was supported by conversions in Spain and Florida. We currently grow organic watercress on 9ha spread over the UK and Spain.
By 1999, The Watercress Company was the leading packer of watercress in the UK and this was built on service and quality.
In April 2000, The Watercress Company sold the packing facility in Hampshire, and became solely growers to focus on improvements in production and harvesting techniques.
The production area has increased significantly since 1994, both in watercress and landcrops, to a total area now exceeding 300ha. Watercress production globally is now 50ha, with landcrops making up the remaining 250ha. We currently supply many different supermarket customers both in the UK and Europe.