Dozens of jobs at risk at UK's largest vertical farm
Jones Food has gone into administration
Last updated 9th May 2025
Dozens of jobs are at risk at the UK's largest vertical farm.
It comes as Jones Food has gone into administration, having now appointed administrators to take over the closing-down of the business.
They've got bases in Scunthorpe and Gloucestershire - but they're now at risk of closure because reports say they couldn't get more investors on-board.
The process of vertical farming is a less traditional way of growing crops.
By using vertically stacked layers, farmers can produce much more food on less land than if it was just grown in the ground.
They're a big supplier for the online grocery firm, Ocado - who were a major shareholder.
An Ocado spokesperson told us: “Jones Food is an innovative business, and Ocado Group has been a supporter and shareholder of the Company for a number of years.
"As we await the outcome of the administration process, our thoughts are with all those involved with Jones Food."
An Ocado spokesperson said: “Jones Food is an innovative business, and Ocado Group has been a supporter and shareholder of the Company for a number of years. As we await the outcome of the administration process, our thoughts are with all those involved with Jones Food”.
And the administrators told us: “Following the appointment of Joint Administrators to the Company on 7 April 2025, the Administrators have been liaising with a range of interested parties in relation to the sale of the business.
"Negotiations are ongoing and the Administrators are hoping for a positive outcome.”