Meet the Supplier: O'Malley's Berry Co.

At Hastings Hotels, we use strawberries all year round, and at times these are imported from Annabel’s in Thirsk, near Yorkshire, and from further afield. In season, we buy from Mark Conway in Armagh, and this year, for the first time, from Tim O’Malley in Loughall, also in County Armagh.

Tim has recently developed a new strawberry growing system in a very substantial 6,000 square meter glasshouse. It is strategically located adjacent to an anaerobic digester belonging to Gilfresh, his neighbour. This gives several advantages: All of the water to grow the strawberries is harvested rainwater, and does not contain any of the chemicals found in the local water supply. Electricity to run the lights and fans in the greenhouse comes from the generator, powered by gas from the anaerobic digester, and heat from the generator is used to maintain base temperatures in the greenhouse on cold winter days to protect the young plants.

Earlier this year, our chefs visited Tim’s glasshouse in Loughgall to see the growing process first-hand. They were able to walk through the tunnels, observe the irrigation and lighting systems, and speak with Tim about the eco-friendly practices he’s pioneering. The visit not only deepened their understanding of the farm-to-fork journey but also reinforced our shared commitment to sourcing responsibly and supporting innovation in local agriculture.

In addition to this, Tim is a fervent believer in sustainable farming practices and avoids using pesticides. The plants are grown in an organic, sustainable medium called coir, which is made from ground-up coconut husks, and grown in modern, reusable troughs. These rigid troughs also help maintain consistent moisture levels, promoting healthier plant growth. Predators such as lacewings and parasitic wasps, which do not harm the plants, are selectively deployed to target the aphids that, if left unchecked, could damage both the plants and the fruit.

For vine weevil, Tim introduces beneficial nematodes which target the larvae in the soil before they can damage plant roots. Spider mites, another persistent threat, are controlled using tens of thousands of predatory mites that specifically feed on spider mites. This balanced ecosystem approach supports sustainable production and healthier crops.

Varieties of strawberry have been selected to extend the growing season, and Tim consults with his peers in Great Britain and across the island of Ireland to ensure he is abreast of the latest trends and innovations in plant husbandry. Alongside all of this, Tim’s packaging is sourced from sustainable forestry and is 100% recyclable.

And finally, there is the flavour and the freshness. Strawberries are harvested, stalk on, to avoid any direct fruit contact, which may cause bruising. The strawberries are picked fully ripened and are immediately chilled to enhance their shelf life. They are collected daily in season by North Down, who deliver to Hastings Hotels the following day. Food miles are at a minimum, and shelf life and flavour are at their very optimum.

So this summer, please enjoy your strawberries at Hastings Hotels in the knowledge that you are not only eating a premium fruit, but that you are also supporting our local farming industry.