HOW IT STARTED….
Founded in 1934 by Ivor Noble, Sunbeam Watercress became one of his leading farm enterprises alongside his arable, dairy and livestock ventures on the farm.
Having worked in farming all his life and being a true entrepreneur, Ivor saw potential in the expansion of the watercress in the 1950s; due to the natural chalk springs, local greengrocers, wholesale markets, Navy Ships and Ocean liners all being on his doorstep. These were his main assets and driving force of the business.
Trading then increased with Liners travelling to North America, South Africa and Australia, taking a large percentage of production. The next 30 years, saw these liners being replaced by Cruise Ships travelling from Southampton, Sunbeam Watercress continue to supply many of these today.
In 1963, Ivor’s son Rod came to the helm and continued to grow Sunbeam as an increasingly successful business, supplying watercress predominately to the South of England.
WHERE WE ARE TODAY……
Sunbeam Watercress remains a family run business that aims to produce the highest quality watercress consistently for 52 weeks of the year. Our watercress is grown and matured to perfection in beautiful natural chalk spring water, giving it a strong, unique peppery taste.
Over the years Rod managed to diversify and adapt to changing markets and today, Rod’s youngest son Graham has joined forces, to continue in his footsteps and carry on supplying the highest quality, traditionally grown watercress for years to come.
Graham is adamant that the traditional methods and its tooling are still used and applied. Enabling us to produce the best tasting watercress in the country.
To continue succession of the farm and watercress business, Grahams nephew Alex, is currently learning the ropes and often joins Graham and the team in between studying.