Abel & Cole

How is it social?

Abel & Cole supports local economies by buying its products from smaller, independent producers. It is committed to the development of biodegradable packaging, exploring the use of alternative fuels and local sourcing (none of the company’s products are air-freighted). In 2005 Abel & Cole received the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development in recognition of its environmental, social and commercial sustainability practices.

Abel & Cole has a strong commitment to its employees' welfare, rights and development and in 2006 achieved 14th place on the Financial Times UK top 50 Great Places to Work. It has also been named the Soil Association Retailer of the Year (for an explanation of the Soil Association and its role see the glossary).

What is its business model?

Abel & Cole delivers organic food that is sourced from small, independent producers to homes and businesses in the UK. Organic fruit and vegetable boxes are its key products. It also supplies other goods such as meat and diary produce. The products are produced/farmed and bought according to a fair deal agreed with suppliers.

Based in Wimbledon, the company operates primarily in the South-East of England but is continually expanding, with deliveries available in many larger towns and cities nationwide. Deliveries are free and customers can search for availability of deliveries to their postcode area and set up an account online.  An extensive recipe guide is also available on the website.

Its history

Founded by Keith Abel in 1988 in London, Abel & Cole began by selling potatoes door to door and has expanded to weekly deliveries of organic food. The company now serves 25,000 customers and employs 230 staff over 3 sites. In October 2007, Phoenix Equity Partners bought an undisclosed stake in the business (which valued it at £30-40m).  This investment will enable Abel & Cole to deliver to more areas in the UK, expand its product range and, according to some reports, set up Abel & Cole shops.

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