Version 1 has been selected by Stonegate Farmers to modernise the technology platform underpinning its operations, as part of a transformation programme designed to strengthen customer service and supply chain visibility. The programme is intended to enable faster decision-making, greater operational resilience and improved responsiveness to retailers and consumers.

Detailed in the partnership announcement, Version 1 is a Dublin-headquartered AI and digital transformation consultancy that will modernise Stonegate's highly customised Oracle JD Edwards environment while adding enhanced analytics, reporting, integration and automation capabilities. Stonegate is a UK egg producer positioned as a leader in ethical and sustainable production.

The structural driver behind the transformation is rising consumer, retailer and regulatory demands on food producers, pushing Stonegate to replace a reactive support model with a proactive approach that continually identifies opportunities for improvement across its operations.

"The strength of any transformation lies not only in the technology but in the partnership behind it," said Will Newell, IT Director at Stonegate Farmers. "Version 1 understands our business, our industry and our ambitions for the future."

"Stonegate has demonstrated exactly the kind of visionary action that will define the future of the UK food sector," said Martin McDonagh, Head of Private Sector at Version 1. "The most successful producers are no longer viewing technology as back office infrastructure. They are using it as a strategic asset to improve customer experience, strengthen resilience, unlock new efficiencies and create competitive advantage."

Version 1 employs more than 4,250 people from its Dublin headquarters and offices across the UK, reporting revenue of around €500 million and majority ownership by Swiss investment firm Partners Group. Stonegate Farmers is one of the UK's most recognised egg producers.

For the sector, the partnership reflects growing investment by UK food and agriculture businesses in enterprise technology platforms as a route to customer experience and supply chain resilience, rather than treating ERP systems purely as back office infrastructure.

Source: Version 1