EDME celebrates 140 years in the food and farming industry

EDME was established in 1884 and is celebrating as it reaches 140 years.

The company sits on the River Stour, built by maltster Robert Free.

Early - George Webb, EDME lorry driver and grandad to current EDME customer service supervisor Jo Townes is pictured in the lorry on the right (Image: EDME) EDME still plays an important role in the country's food chain, turning locally grown cereal grains into nutritious ingredients for bakers and other food manufacturers.

Managing director Mark Hodson said: "If you have ever eaten bread with malted ingredients, you’ll no doubt have sampled a taste of EDME.

Happy - Carol and Jo Townes who have association with EDME (Image: EDME) "Large and small bakeries across the country and beyond use our malted and wholegrain ingredients to improve the taste, texture and nutritional content of their bread and other baked goods.

"For companies to survive two world wars, the Great Depression and numerous political and economic upheavals, they have to have something special about them.

Recognisable - visitors can easily identify the EDME building (Image: EDME) "EDME has many great strengths, but it’s the generations of people who have worked here and the partnerships with our growers and our customers that have made the most difference.

"It is the fantastic team and our great partners who deserve a tribute in our 140-year anniversary."

In more recent years, developments have included a test centre and a research and development facility, state-of-the-art mixing and blending equipment, and a gluten-free mill.

An anniversary open day earlier this year saw neighbours and members of the community treated to a tour of the facilities as well as talks from the team.

EDME technical director Renata Faldo said: "The stunning view over the Stour estuary helps, but there’s much more to it than that.

"By joining with other organisations, we showcased all the great things on offer across the village.

"It helped satisfy people’s curiosity about their surroundings and got neighbours socialising with one another. Everyone we spoke to said how much they enjoyed it.”

“In any case, the more that people know about EDME and what we do, the more ambassadors there are for quality ingredients and good food.

"People in 1884 wanted tasty, wholesome foods. Much may have changed over the past 140 years, but in 2024, people still want delicious baked goods and foods made from natural, wholesome ingredients.

“It’s simple - we are an integral part of that community."