Local MP, Dr Kieran Mullan MP, visited Overy's Farm in Ticehurst, a family-run farm owned by Peter and Michael Reeves, during this year's blackcurrant harvest to learn more about the contribution local farming makes to the rural economy.
The visit showcased the importance of blackcurrant production to the area and the close links between British growers and Ribena, one of the UK's best-known household brands. Ribena is made using 100% British-grown blackcurrants and accounts for around 90% of Britain's blackcurrant crop, providing a key market for growers across the country.
As part of the visit, Kieran also got hands-on experience of the harvest, driving the blackcurrant harvesting machine and helping check the harvest.. Under the guidance of the Reeves family, he saw first-hand the skill, technology and precision involved in bringing in the crop during the busy harvest season.
During the visit, Dr Mullan toured the farm and discussed the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture, including rising costs, environmental pressures and the need to support long-term investment in farming businesses.
Kieran Mullan MP said:
“It was a pleasure to visit Overy's Farm and meet Peter and Michael Reeves during this year's harvest. I was even given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the harvesting machinery, which gave me a real appreciation of the expertise and hard work required to bring in the crop.
“Their success demonstrates the important role farming continues to play in supporting jobs, investment and economic activity across our rural communities.
“The partnership between blackcurrant growers and Ribena is a great example of how British agriculture can work hand-in-hand with a nationally recognised brand, creating value locally while supplying products enjoyed by families across the country.”
For growers such as the Reeves family, long-term relationships with manufacturers provide confidence to invest in the future, while supporting jobs throughout the supply chain. The blackcurrant sector also plays an important role in environmental stewardship, with sustainability initiatives helping to enhance biodiversity alongside commercial production.
The visit comes shortly after Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, the producer of Ribena, announced a £14.5 million investment in a new blackcurrant processing facility in Herefordshire. The investment supports the long-term future of British blackcurrant farming and strengthens the supply chain that connects growers such as the Reeves family to one of the UK's best-loved brands.
Speaking after the visit, Peter and Michael Reeves said they were pleased to welcome Kieran to the farm and discuss the importance of securing a strong future for British agriculture.
“It was a pleasure to host a visit by Dr Mullan to see how blackcurrants are grown. Very few people know that the bottle of Ribena they enjoy at home is packed full of blackcurrants that may be from a farm just around the corner.
“We’re grateful that Kieran took the time to learn about our business and the investments we and Ribena are making - from climate resilient varieties to new processing capability - to ensure families can continue to enjoy this iconic drink for years to come”.
