Franchi Seeds Come Home: Seeds of Italy Resumes Sole UK Distribution
In 2021 Seeds of Italy Ltd agreed a distribution deal with Mr Fothergill’s seeds Ltd offering their garden centre outlets 54 Franchi branded vegetable seed packets whilst Seeds of Italy continued to service its own wholesale and retail customers.
Since then, the result of a strategic review has shifted Mr Fothergill’s focus back onto its core brands and away from ‘guest brands’, and so both parties have agreed to end the trading agreement with the aim going forward on a managed transition back to Seeds of Italy Ltd on the 1st of May 2025.
Paolo Arrigo from Seeds of Italy said “whilst the experience of shared distribution and alliances has been invaluable for brand recognition for Franchi in the UK in our 25th anniversary year, we are so pleased to once again have our historic brand back under our wing as sole importers and distributors. We have seen a higher-than-expected proportion of these customers
approaching us for a Seeds of Italy supplied range which is great news. But on top of that, unexpectedly, some stores that have built up the Franchi brand for the last 3 years who had initially asked to be restocked in the Autumn, are now asking for immediate supply due to demand from their customers asking for it by name. Some outlets might think we are a one stand company, but our range is large and varied with Franchi branded veg, flower and herb packets, a Bizzarre veg range, our very successful Eden Project range of endangered and heritage veg (remember that Eden Project are opening a site in Morcombe in the near future too), our unique Vintage 1928 range from a Franchi catalogue of that year with all varieties grown in the UK over 100 years ago, and lastly our native UK grown PURE wildflower seeds with no fillers or grasses – we have a lot to offer the garden centre with our big bold packets of endangered, heritage, ethical and innovative ranges and varieties for farm shops and garden centres wanting a change or to enhance their seed offer without directly competing with what they carry already”
We wish Mr Fothergills seeds all the best for the future and any outlets interested in restocking (or stocking) a Franchi range large or small should contact Paolo on 02084275020 or email grow@italianingredients.com
Visit Seeds Of Italy at Four Oaks
Seeds Of Italy will be showcasing their products on stand B44