Let's talk about strawberries.

When Anthony Dillon founded Dillon's Strawberry Farm, the goal was simple: grow the best strawberries in the UK, as sustainably as possible. Traditional strawberry farming in Britain is resource-intensive. It requires large areas of land, significant water usage, regular pesticide application, and is entirely dependent on the British summer — which, as we all know, isn't always reliable. A Better Way to Grow Vertical farming changes the equation entirely. Our system uses up to 95% less water than conventional farming through a closed-loop irrigation system. We use zero pesticides. Our growing environment is fully controlled, which means fewer crop losses and a more consistent product. Every variable — temperature, humidity, lighting cycles, and nutrient delivery — is precisely managed. The result is a strawberry that is consistently ripe, consistently flavourful, and consistently available. Not just in June, but every single month. The Environmental Impact Growing locally in Manchester means fewer food miles. Our produce doesn't travel from Spain or Morocco — it's grown, harvested, and delivered within the city. That's better for the environment, and better for freshness. Our zero-waste model ensures nothing is discarded. Surplus plant matter is composted back into the growing system. Any unsold strawberries are freeze-dried and preserved for up to two years — maintaining full flavour and nutritional value. Where We're Headed With 28 towers currently operational and plans to scale significantly over the next 18 months, Dillon's Strawberry Farm is building something that could redefine how the UK thinks about locally grown food. This isn't just farming. It's the future. — Anthony Dillon, Founder, Dillon's Strawberry Farm