Supported by parent company Jain Farm Fresh, the new 10,500m2 herb factory in southern Turkey has been fitted with the latest equipment, facilities and infrastructure to help the manufacturer supply its global customer base.
Managing director James Arnold said the facility would be a huge boost for Sleaford’s capabilities.
“It means SQF now has even tighter control on traceability, quality and testing,” he continued. “Our commitment to traceability means we have full control of sourcing as we deal directly with farmers, meaning our customers can trace our products from farm to fork.”
‘Handpicked, professional team’
The new factory will be staffed by a “handpicked, professional team” with a deep knowledge of the industry, according to Sleaford.
Work to open the new herb factory has come just over a year since Jain launched its spice facility in India, reportedly the largest spice processing facility in the country, with a capacity of 24,000m tonnes per year.
Arnold added: “Together, these two facilities are game-changers for SQF and, more importantly, our customers. We look forward to working with customers old and new to take herb and spice production and supply into a whole new, exciting era.”
Global supplier
Founded in 1968, family-run SQF is a multi-million pound business supplying ingredients to the global food industry. Parent company Jain is one of the largest producers of mango and dehydrated onion in the world.
In February last year, the manufacturer launched its sustainability pledge to make all of its packaging recyclable or compostable by 2022, with a successful trial of a new 2-ply paper bag with a polythene coating for two of its products.
Meanwhile, frozen food manufacturer Cook plans to create 200 jobs after securing a £16m funding package from HSBC UK to build a new 2,320m2 kitchen facility in Sittingbourne, Kent.
