The Bartlett family has been involved in root vegetables for over 60 years.In 1948, Alan’s grandfather Albert Bartlett invested £30 in setting up a small beetroot boiling operation in Coatbridge, Scotland.
Before long, he and his two sons Jimmy and Alex had seen the potential to expand the business, and the company moved to a bigger site on Watt Lane, Airdrie.
From this base, Albert Bartlett built-up a thriving root vegetable business, sourcing carrots for the Scottish supermarkets and the Glasgow market from as far afield as Cambridgeshire as well as potatoes grown locally in Scotland.
In 1968, Albert Bartlett acquired the Chatteris factory – since transformed into the modern, environmentally-friendly facility run by Alan Bartlett and Sons today.
In 1982, Alan set off to the Chatteris factory for a two-week ‘troubleshooting’ visit. But seeing the potential, he stayed - and under his thoughtful stewardship, the business has grown and thrived in East Anglia, just as first did in Scotland.
In 2009, Alan Bartlett and Sons was created in a friendly demerger, giving Alan and his twin sons Toby and Oliver the opportunity to put heart and soul into carrots and parsnips, while brother Ronnie concentrates on the Scottish potato crop under the Albert Bartlett name.
In the same year, Alan Bartlett and Sons was named ‘Root Vegetable supplier of the Year’ in the annual Tesco Produce Suppliers Awards – as well as picking up the coveted ‘Overall Fresh Produce Supplier of the Year’.
In 2010, Alan Bartlett & Sons stopped supply of onions to concentrate on carrots and parsnips.
In 2011, Alan Bartlett & Sons acquired Moray Coast Produce in Forres Scotland.
