When nine year old Pat Clarke received the gift of some strawberry plants, little did he know he was at the start of a journey which would lead him to becoming one of Ireland’s biggest strawberry producers with over 800 tonnes of strawberries grown last year, branching out into producing raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, and more recently moving into premium jam production.
Clarke’s Fresh Fruit now in operation over 50 years has transformed from initially growing ten drills on Pat’s father’s farm and extending to a full acre in 1965 to the huge high tech commercial growing facility it is today. Currently the business employs over one hundred people, on the land that is still known as the Clarke Family Farm in Stamullen, Co Meath.
Clarke’s strawberries and additional produce have won many awards in the food sector and are recognised by the best in the business for quality and taste. Recently crowned Best Chef of 2014 Neven Maguire features Clarke’s strawberries in his seasonal menu at his very famous MacNean House and Restaurant in Blacklion County Cavan.
Clarke’s strawberries and jams are now stocked in major superstores throughout the country, both under the Clarke family name and among the superstores’ own labels.
High standards lead to top quality fruit
High quality standards are observed throughout Clarke’s Fresh Fruit business and they are NSAI Quality Certified and Quality Assured by Bord Bia.
Master Grower Pat explains the importance of continually striving for perfection. “We ensure that every berry leaving our farm is top quality. To maintain this commitment we observe consistently high standards throughout the farm. We use quality organic compost, certified plants, biological pest control and a computerised irrigation system which nurtures the plants with the optimum amount of water and nutrients to produce superfruit. The staff are trained in the art of stem-picking so bruising of the berries is minimal. The fruit is picked, packed and dispatched fresh to the customer daily. Our quality control is strict and we ensure that the people who work with us are just as committed to our high standards as we are.”
This standard of excellence delivering the freshest, juiciest fruit to the consumer’s table, has led to a number of accolades for Clarke’s Fresh Fruit, including Bord Bia Grower of the Year and Family Farm of the Millennium.
Experience, a love of the land and the flavoursome produce all contribute to quality
Pat and his family have put their many years of experience to good use in developing the best practices on the Clarke Family Farm.
The growing methods used ensure a sustainable model of production with maximum efficiency, while at the same time taking into consideration the environmental impact of the growing process.
Strawberries – the versatile Superfruit
The health benefits of strawberries are well documented.
Now recognised as a superfruit, containing high levels of disease fighting nutritional compounds, strawberries have been included on the list of the top twenty cancer fighting foods.
Most of us have a sweet tooth and strawberries provide us with a guilt-free boost of natural sugars, with a low glycaemic index, meaning they are easily digested.
A bowl of 8-10 strawberries is a mere 27 calories in comparison to a slice of cheesecake which stands at a whopping 317 calories.
Clarke’s Fresh Fruit are very aware of the important role of the humble strawberry in a healthy diet and even when it comes to jam production, Pat has ensured that there is also a ‘no added sugar’ version of his premium jams at only 32 calories per portion of 125g.
The word ‘versatile’ is continually used in describing strawberries. Simply serve on their own, have the Wimbledon favourite of Strawberries & Cream, blend to make a cooling smoothie or milkshake or try with some low fat cream cheese and crispbread.
Delicious berries dipped in chocolate provide a luscious treat and for those extra special occasions, nothing surpasses juicy fresh strawberries with finest champagne.
Still a local business
While Clarke’s Fresh Fruit has achieved high acclaim when it comes to producing top quality fruit, Pat remains proud that the business is still regarded as a family concern in the heart of the Stamullen.
“Of course I am delighted that Clarke’s Fresh Fruit is a success story, but it is more important to me that the work is not just about me, it is about family. We all play our part and love the work we do. We are proud that our fruits and jams are appreciated throughout Ireland and recognise the support of the people. We enjoy meeting our customers. We have a farm shop here on what we still call the Clarke Family Farm, in Stamullen which provides the freshest fruit possible daily. It comes straight from the plant to the shelf. ‘If it was any fresher it would still be growing. “We participate in various food festivals throughout the season to showcase our produce and engage with our valued customers. The Bloom Festival organised by Bord Bia in the Phoenix Park annually being the most notable. We have also placed a regional emphasis on meeting our customers and took part in The Irish Maritime Festival held in Drogheda recently. In meeting the people who buy our fruits and jams, we gain insight and some very positive feedback. This gives us food for thought and new ideas for the future.”
Clarke’s Fresh Fruit
Clinstown,
Stamullen,
Co. Meath
Tel: 01 8413262
Email: [email protected]
www.clarkesfreshfruit.ie
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 2 No 3, August 2014
