Business growth and increased sales have led to one of the leading UK based tropical fruit suppliers and packers Ripe Now, to move part of its UK operation to larger premises in Boston, Lincolnshire, in a multi-million-pound deal overseen by Roythornes Solicitors.
The 65,000 sq ft. site is the new Ripe Now headquarters and will also act as the distributor’s banana ripening facility with a focus on top-quality, third-party packing.
Ripe Now was formed in 2006 by Julian Wright and Lewey Hook who both have extensive experience within the fresh produce industry. Today the company has more than 110 full time employees and up to 70 seasonal employees.
Iain Hibbert, partner at Roythornes Solicitors, acted on the purchase of the premises for Ripe Now Ltd.
Stephanie Kirton, financial controller and company secretary at Ripe Now, said: “Iain, Rebecca and the team were brilliant during the course of the property purchase and made sure that we fully understood the technical elements, what that meant for us and our options.
“Our hand was fully held throughout the whole process, and we truly received the personal touch. Nothing was too much trouble and I can’t wait to work with the team on our next commercial venture.”
Speaking of the deal, Iain said: “We were pleased to oversee this deal for Ripe Now, a firm which not only delivers fresh quality fruit to the UK but also prides itself on an ethical supply chain.
“There were a couple of challenges; the property, purchased from Del Monte and Morrisons, formed part of a larger site which was split into two, with Ripe Now taking half of the site. There was also a title complication thanks to an infilled ditch but our team were well placed to advise on the deal through to completion.
“This move highlights the growing food manufacturing industry in Lincolnshire so we wish Ripe Now every success in their new Boston premises and look forward to seeing the company’s continued growth in the future.”
Roythornes is a top 200 law firm with strategically located offices across the Midlands and East Anglia. The team works with clients across the UK and has particular expertise in property, agriculture, food and energy.
