R&H Hall, the oldest business in the Group, was founded in Cork in 1839. The company would later go on to become a listed plc in 1967 before being acquired by Origin in 1990, and in 2010 it merged with W&R Barnett to create Ireland’s largest grain importer.
We provide the expertise, technology, and solutions to help landowners, farmers, and industries become better stewards of the land, unlocking its true potential while ensuring resilience for generations to come.
The Origin Model
From precision agronomy that enhances food production to ecological consultancy that regenerates the land, we work in partnership with our customers, empowering them to create lasting value.
By combining scientific expertise with practical know-how, we enable them to deliver sustainable, productive, and thriving landscapes – where people, businesses, and nature can coexist and flourish.
With a dedicated team across multiple geographies and sectors, we develop long-lasting relationships that deliver knowledge, solutions, and innovation wherever they are needed.
We operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Robust governance structures underpin our business model, ensuring ethical conduct, compliance, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.
We aim to ensure that every decision made on the land today shapes a better tomorrow
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We provide a holistic range of solutions for all types of land use through our Agriculture and Living Landscapes businesses
Agriculture
Our Agriculture businesses deliver agronomic advice, services, and inputs to arable, livestock, fruit, and vegetable growers. We also supply inputs and supply chain solutions to businesses in the primary food production sector.
Living Landscapes
Our Living Landscapes businesses offer future-ready products, services, and advice across the sports, environmental, and landscapes sectors. These businesses cater to the growing demand for ecologically and environmentally sustainable inputs and practices from organisations in the amenity, urban & infrastructure development, and environmental markets.
Our Heritage
1839: R&H Hall
1846: Goulding
In 1846, William Goulding and his brother Humphreys Manders founded W. & H. M. Goulding in Cork. Over time, the company expanded from its core fertiliser business into various non-related industries, before merging with Fitzwilliam Securities in a 1972 reverse takeover to become Fitzwilton plc. Origin later acquired the fertiliser business between 1985-1986.
1897: Foundation
The story of Origin Enterprises begins in 1897 with the founding of the Irish Agricultural Wholesale Society (IAWS) by Sir Horace Plunkett, widely regarded as the father of modern Irish agriculture. A pioneer of agricultural reform, Plunkett believed the future of farming lay in cooperation and innovation. IAWS was established to supply Irish cooperatives with essential inputs, helping farmers improve practices, livelihoods and the quality of their produce.
1897 – 1987: Expansion
Under Plunkett’s leadership, IAWS quickly became a cornerstone of the Irish agricultural landscape, expanding its activities from seed and fertiliser supply to encompass a broader range of agricultural products and services.
1988 – 2006: Evolution
In 1988, IAWS floated on the Irish Stock Exchange, and the capital raised drove significant growth. Over the next few decades, the new plc diversified and expanded its operations, acquiring businesses such as Cuisine de France in 1997. This activity ultimately led IAWS plc to evolve into a convenience food business in 2006.
2007: Focus
The strategic move of IAWS plc into convenience food led to the establishment of Origin Enterprises plc in 2007, a standalone entity focused on the original agricultural businesses of IAWS. The rest of IAWS plc then merged with a large Swiss bakery business in 2008 to become Aryzta.
2008 – 2020: Growth
The new Origin Enterprises plc began by acquiring a series of UK, Central Europe, and LATAM agronomy and soil nutrition businesses, establishing direct relationships with farms and growing to create a leader in on-farm advisory services and value-added inputs distribution.
2021 – 2024: Diversification
In more recent years, we have built out a complimentary Living Landscapes division to further solidify our position as a leader not only in agriculture, but across all types of land use. Kick-started in 2021 with the formation of Origin Amenity Solutions to consolidate the UK Sports market, the division has since been further established through strategic acquisitions in the Landscapes and Environmental sectors.
Origin Today
Today, Origin Enterprises stands as a testament to over a century of commitment to innovation, sustainability, and partnership. From humble beginnings serving Irish cooperatives, we have grown into a global force, helping customers around the world maximise the potential of their land while protecting it for future generations.
Our Strategy
Spanning 27 companies across 2 continents, we offer a range of technically-led products and services across the agriculture, environmental, urban & infrastructure development, and amenity markets
We are Origin. Growing Beyond.
Driven by how we make a difference, we are committed to responsible leadership, stakeholder dialogue, and transparent ESG reporting
Our vision
A world where land achieves its true potential for people, businesses and nature.
Our purpose
Enriching lands. Empowering lives.
What we do
We deliver expert advice, leading products and services, and innovative technologies, tailored to the unique needs of each customer and their land.
