This weekend a local herb growing company showed their MP how they have expanded and developed their business. Herbs Unlimited is based at Sandhutton in Hambleton. Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, got a tour of the site and heard about how it has grown since 2002.
The business is the joint venture between a chef and a North Yorkshire farmer. Alison Dodd began her career as a chef in a family restaurant. She has been growing her own herbs for many years and now her son Philip Dodd is involved as the Operations Director. Trevor Bosomworth, his father Robin and the family have been farming for many years in the Thirsk area but were looking for ways to diversify on their land.
Herbs Unlimited provide fresh herbs and baby leaf salads to food manufacturers, caterers, restaurants and shops. They grow many varieties of these plants on site in polytunnels and outside. During his visit Mr Hollinrake saw how they tended, packed and distributed their produce from mixed salad bags to edible flowers. He was shown round by Philip and Robin,
“It was impressive to see the work that has been put into Herbs Unlimited and interesting to hear the history of how it came about. We need to support local growers like this. By working together these two family businesses have created a flourishing enterprise. With both the culinary and agricultural expertise to drive it forward Herbs Unlimited has expanded its acreage, its staff numbers and its variety. I wish them continued success.”