Origin Enterprises Plc

Who We Are

Growing Beyond

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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We are Origin. Growing Beyond.

Learn more about what we do

Our Heritage

1839: R&H Hall

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R&H Hall, the oldest business in the Group, was founded in Cork in 1839. The company would later go on to become a listed plc in 1967 before being acquired by Origin in 1990, and in 2010 it merged with W&R Barnett to create Ireland’s largest grain importer.

1846: Goulding

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In 1846, William Goulding and his brother Humphreys Manders founded W. & H. M. Goulding in Cork. Over time, the company expanded from its core fertiliser business into various non-related industries, before merging with Fitzwilliam Securities in a 1972 reverse takeover to become Fitzwilton plc. Origin later acquired the fertiliser business between 1985-1986.

1897: Foundation

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The story of Origin Enterprises itself 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.

1897 – 1987: 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.

1988 – 2006: Evolution

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In 1988, IAWS floated on the Irish Stock Exchange, and the capital raised drove significant growth. Over the next few decades, the new plc diversified and expanded its operations, acquiring businesses such as Cuisine de France in 1997. This activity ultimately led IAWS plc to evolve into a convenience food business in 2006.

2007: Focus

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The strategic move of IAWS plc into convenience food led to the establishment of Origin Enterprises plc in 2007, a standalone entity focused on the original agricultural businesses of IAWS. The rest of IAWS plc then merged with a large Swiss bakery business in 2008 to become Aryzta.

2008 – 2020: Growth

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The new Origin Enterprises plc began by acquiring a series of UK, Central Europe, and LATAM agronomy and soil nutrition businesses, establishing direct relationships with farms and growing to create a leader in on-farm advisory services and value-added inputs distribution.

2021 – 2024: Diversification

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In more recent years, we have built out a complimentary Living Landscapes division to further solidify our position as a leader not only in agriculture, but across all types of land use. Kick-started in 2021 with the formation of Origin Amenity Solutions to consolidate the UK Sports market, the division has since been further established through strategic acquisitions in the Landscapes and Environmental sectors.

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.
Our Strategy

  • From Deep Roots to Broad Expertise

    As we’ve worked alongside farmers and growers across the generations, we’ve built a deep connection to the land. Our commitment has always been to enhance its potential – whether through researching and producing advanced soil nutrition, developing superior seed stock, or sourcing the most effective plant protection technologies. We’ve consistently partnered with those who depend on the land, gathering real-world feedback and refining our offerings to meet the evolving challenges of agriculture.

    And today, our expertise extends beyond the fields, as we apply the same dedication and innovative approach to the development of Living Landscapes. Whether in sports & recreation, environmental conservation, or landscape development, we bring advanced solutions tailored to each sector’s unique needs. For example, our R&D efforts in turf agronomy have yielded an extensive portfolio of solutions encompassing vegetation management, disease prevention, and sustainable, integrated care programmes.

    Find out more about our solutions
  • Independent, Scientific Approach

    At the heart of our approach is a commitment to bridging the gap between scientific research and practical land management. We harness the power of skilled advisors, cutting-edge technology, and the best available intelligence to deliver unrivalled expertise and support across all land use sectors.

    Being independent from manufacturers allows us to offer unbiased advice and tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs of our customers, helping them achieve the optimal outcomes their businesses rely on.

    And as part of our unwavering commitment to quality, we ensure that everything we provide is rigorously tested and proven in the real world.

    Innovation at Origin
  • Driving Growth Through Strategic Partnerships

    As a major route to market for leading crop technology manufacturers, plant breeders, and precision technology developers, we enable the rapid uptake of beneficial technologies, helping suppliers and manufacturers access markets and meet their business objectives efficiently.

    Moreover, our strategic locations and expansive geographic reach allow us to streamline supply chains and ensure that the right products are delivered precisely when they’re needed. Together with our customers and partners, we’re not just growing—we’re growing beyond.

    Strategy

Continue the journey

At Origin Enterprises, our story is one of innovation, partnership, and a deep commitment to the land. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge solutions that maximise your land’s potential, strategic partnerships, or opportunities to grow with us, we’re here to support your vision for a sustainable future.

Let’s grow beyond, together.