The company started as ‘Nutrel’ (still going strong today) in 1987, offering trace element packages to correct deficiencies in cereal crops. Hortifeeds was established in 1993 when it began selling high-quality water soluble fertilisers for crops being grown under protected or controlled conditions. Hortifeeds' Divisional Manager John Crinall described the move as being market-led by the lack of bespoke, high quality products available at that time.
“We saw opportunities in the agricultural sector with this customer base that were looking for quality fertilisers, combined with sound technical advice and a reliable service”. Hortifeeds has evolved as one of the UK’s leading fertiliser manufacturers working within both the ornamental and soft fruit sectors, with a great deal of seasonal emphasis on strawberries.
“Most of the time, with a potential new account we would approach the customer’s requirements beginning with a simple water analysis, to enable us to see what we are working with,” explained John Crinall. “With commercial growers, you'd expect them to check their water, but this is sometimes overlooked, so we have it independently analysed to see what needs correcting. Hortifeeds products are then recommended, including rates of application which we believe the best approach to improve what could already be an impressive crop. Fine-tuning is the way forward and by focusing on small details, big impacts can be achieved.” It is this core work ethos that has contributed to Hortifeeds success in a hugely competitive market place and also ensures they continue to offer innovative products with a service second to none.
“We offer specialty products,” said John Crinall. “One of those is a phosphite fertilizer called HortiPhyte that can help combat airborne pathogens that can cause huge problems.” He said that introducing HortiPhyte (which has no harvest interval) to a protected crop helped stimulate the plants natural defence mechanisms because natural photoalexyn production is maximised when ideal nutrition is provided. It also helps stimulate healthy growth under conditions which may be favourable to the development of some root and leaf rot.
“Our aim is to overcome a crop’s nutritional requirements and any problems which may occur along the way and if this means increasing yields, then all the better,” said Crinall. “We just want to make life easier for growers.”
For more information:
Hortifeeds
John Crinall
john.crinall@nutrelgroup.co.uk
www.hortifeeds.co.uk