Who We Are

Every day, our customers are going above and beyond to unlock the full potential of their land. At Origin Enterprises, we’ve been there right alongside them for 125 years, helping navigate every challenge and seize each opportunity.

In a world where climate uncertainty and technological advancements are reshaping how we interact with the land, we understand that our customers are not just managing resources; they are stewards of the future. Driving innovation, adapting to change, and pushing boundaries in pursuit of a world where land achieves its true potential for people, businesses, and nature.

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Our role is simple: we enable that journey. With technically-led products and services, we bring the innovative tools and expertise that equips our customers to grow long-term success and sustainability. From optimising agricultural fields to nurturing ecological landscapes and perfecting recreational spaces, we provide the support that empowers our customers to thrive.

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But we don’t do it alone. This journey is a collective effort, bringing together partners, suppliers, and communities who share our vision. Through collaboration and shared commitment, we create solutions that are more than just the sum of their parts—solutions that are driven by research and development, grounded in science, and built on a deep understanding of what it takes to nurture and enrich the land in a rapidly changing world.

Together with our customers and partners, we are shaping the future of sustainable land use, ensuring that it continues to provide for generations to come.

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Foundation

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The story of Origin Enterprises begins in 1897 with the foundation of the Irish Agricultural Wholesale Society (IAWS) by Sir Horace Plunkett, a visionary who is often regarded as the founding father of modern Irish agriculture. Plunkett was a pioneer of agricultural reform and a fervent advocate for cooperative movements, believing that the future of agriculture lay in collaboration and innovation. IAWS was established to provide essential supplies and inputs to Irish cooperatives, helping farmers achieve better farming practices, improve their livelihoods, and enhance the quality of their produce.

Expansion

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Under Plunkett’s leadership, IAWS quickly became a cornerstone of the Irish agricultural landscape, expanding its activities from seed and fertiliser supply to encompass a broader range of agricultural products and services. This early focus on innovation and service would become the foundation upon which Origin Enterprises was built.

Evolution

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In 1988, IAWS was floated on the Irish Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone in its evolution. Over the next few decades, IAWS diversified and expanded its operations, eventually repositioning itself in 2006 to focus on Lifestyle Foods. This strategic move led to the establishment of Origin Enterprises plc in 2007, a standalone entity focused on the original agricultural businesses of IAWS.

Growth

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Since then, Origin has grown through a series of strategic acquisitions, further solidifying our position as a leader not only in agriculture, but across all types of land use. From the acquisition of Masstock in 2008, which established direct relationships with farms, to expanding our footprint across new countries, technologies, and land use markets, we have continually evolved to meet the changing needs of our customers.

Origin today

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Today, Origin Enterprises stands as a testament to over a century of commitment to innovation, sustainability, and partnership. From humble beginnings serving Irish cooperatives, we have grown into a global force, helping customers around the world maximise the potential of their land while protecting it for future generations. This journey, deeply rooted in the principles laid down by Sir Horace Plunkett, continues to guide Origin as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern era.
Our Strategy