Lincolnshire-based LJ Fairburn has become the largest independent egg producer and packer in the country. The third-generation family business, based at Alford, is now supplying 17 million British Lion-approved eggs each week to seven leading retailers and its growth looks set to continue.
Just five years ago Fairburn’s took the decision to switch from being a contract producer for a Noble Foods to setting up on its own. Since then it has invested heavily in state-of-the-art equipment, land and livestock, and signed contracts with many of the UK’s major multiples, plus launched its own speciality products and has actively built its own network of farming producers.
Managing Director Daniel Fairburn said: “Fairburn’s has been on an incredible journey over the last five years. We’ve been determined to push the boundaries and innovate, while still retaining our focus on family values, and we’re thrilled that our customers and producers have backed us all the way.
“We felt it was important to take a holistic approach to how we did business, taking care of every part of the food chain. To become the largest independent producer in a matter of years makes our whole family incredibly proud.”
To reflect the firm’s growth and success it has now unveiled a new website, branding and logo – all with a nod to its British farming heritage.
The family business has 80 units across 17 farms and has two high-tech packing centres. Milling, manufacture of bespoke feeds, pullet rearing and egg production all take place on site.
Brand and sales director Sarah-Louise Fairburn said: “We’re really excited about the future for Fairburn’s, having invested considerably to transform it into a leading independent food producer. We’ll be looking at how we can launch even more delicious, innovative new products that consumers love. We benefit from being able to control the whole process ourselves, from the type of grain grown, how the feeds are mixed, breeding our own hens to developing our own product packaging and we are completely focused on creating a sustainable and attractive business that our children can one day take over.”