The Wilkin family have been farming at Tiptree, Essex, since 1757, and making quality preserves since 1885.
They grow a wide range of traditional English fruits and use them to make conserves, condiments, and other treats in their nut-free factory by the farm. They received their first Royal Warrant from George V in 1911, and remain Royal Warrant holders as purveyors of Tiptree Products to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Every member of staff is part of their Employee Benefit Trust, giving each a keen interest in the future of the business.
Tiptree's farm is LEAF Marque accredited (Linking Environment And Farming), recognising that they work sympathetically with our environment and encourage links with our local community. Fruit crops include strawberries, raspberries, mulberries, Morello cherries, rhubarb, damson, Victoria plum, greengage, quince, and the curious medlar. Where they cannot grow our own crops, they buy the best quality fruit from trusted sources, such as Seville for our marmalade oranges. Their signature fruit is the Little Scarlet strawberry, a tiny wild variety, that is very difficult to grow and to harvest. Tiptree believe that they are unique in the world in growing this remarkable crop, but it is worth it for the depth of flavour that it provides.
