An award-winning Cheshire company is set to make waves in the global market as it seeks to expand its saffron-growing business. The Cheshire Saffron Company has recently submitted a planning application to the Cheshire West and Chester Council for a proposed development in Alvanley, off Commonside.
The ambitious project includes the construction of six lodges and an agricultural building, specifically designed for indoor saffron harvesting. These lodges will also serve as holiday lets during certain times of the year.
Saffron, a highly sought-after spice derived from the saffron crocus flower, is predominantly cultivated in countries such as Iran, Greece, Morocco, and India. However, the English saffron industry, valued at approximately £5m annually, is making its mark. Established in 2015 by brothers Peter and Douglas Gould, The Cheshire Saffron Company has gained recognition for its saffron products, which are widely used in cooking, candles, tea, and facial oils.
The process of harvesting and processing saffron is a meticulous one, with 200 hand-picked flowers required to produce just one gram of the spice. While The Cheshire Saffron Company currently holds the title of the largest saffron producer in the UK, the unpredictable British weather poses a challenge to its growth. By expanding its operations indoors and extending its production window, the company aims to explore opportunities for exporting to the US.
Under the proposed plans, the saffron production process will be extended from a four-week harvest to a six-month period, with the lodges serving a dual purpose as holiday accommodation. During the winter months (October to March), the lodges will be transformed into indoor saffron farms, while in spring and summer, they will be available as holiday lets.
A design and access statement submitted in support of the plans highlights the company's motivations: “The main motivations of this project are to build a bigger business in terms of saffron yields, to increase the growth in sales with business scale-up. We sell out of saffron every year at a premium price and cannot fulfil demand. “The variable British weather seriously hampers our ability to consistently increase yields.”
Following advice from the council's planning department, the application has undergone some modifications. The number of proposed cabins has been reduced from 10 to six, along with one agricultural building. Initially, only three lodges will be constructed, with the option to build three more at a later stage if necessary. Additionally, the initial plans for a car park have been scrapped.
The Cheshire Saffron Company's expansion plans promise to not only enhance its saffron-growing business but also contribute to the flourishing English saffron industry. With its innovative approach and determination to overcome weather challenges, the company is poised to make a significant impact on the global market.
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