About Us

Pip Deave (nee Snell) weighing blackcurrants for Ribena in 1980 (in the good old days before food hygiene audits!)

Over the years, the name A.J and C.I Snell has become synonymous with quality fruit produce in both the fresh and frozen markets, recently recognised by the accolade 2011 Organic Grower of the year and ‘highly commended’ 2011 Soft fruit Grower of the Year.

Our success is down to a fine combination of a few vital ingredients: our history, our determination and the richness of the Herefordshire soils.

With a long established family history in farming (we've been growing blackcurrants since 1975) we're experts in nurturing great tasting soft fruits. In fact, we're often at the forefront of developing methods and technologies for nurturing blackcurrants.

And we couldn't pick a better location - it's no surprise that 30% of the UK's blackcurrants are grown in Herefordshire.

Our rich and fertile soils provide a great basis for growing the tastiest blackcurrants on the market.

Harvesting Blackcurrants on our
family farm in 1979 with an early version of modern Blackcurrant harvester

We provide the full range of farming and packing services, which makes our blackcurrants fully traceable from field to store.

Our Audits include:

• Field to Fork audited for Marks and Spencers (M&S)
• BRC Grade A Certificate
• Gold Standard for Tesco's Nurture
• LEAF

Organic Blackcurrants

A.J & C.I Snell is the largest grower of organic blackcurrants in the UK, with approximately 120 acres either in Soil Association organic production or undergoing the conversion period.

Our organic blackcurrants are completely segregated from all other varieties, ensuring they stay 100% natural throughout their growth.

We plant the cuttings into converted soils and only use natural products in nurturing them. Whilst this presents us with a challenge, in order to maintain maximum yield and flavour, we're right up to speed with the latest methods and technologies. In fact, we're often at the forefront of exploring opportunities and developing methods to make organic blackcurrants as cost-effective for the consumer as possible.

Registered with the Soil Association, A.J & C.I Snell Blackcurrants is accredited as an organic grower.

Please contact A.J & C.I Snell Blackcurrants and ask us about our organic range»