A MONMOUTHSHIRE firm that specialises in free range and organic eggs has been bought out by one of the UK’s biggest egg companies.

Farmhouse Freedom Eggs Ltd, based near Usk, has been bought by Stonegate Ltd – the second largest egg packer in the UK and the top company of its kind in Wales.

Stonegate said Farmhouse Freedom Eggs would continue to operate as a stand-alone company, but would help to strengthen its business dealings in Wales.

The Usk company was founded by Gerry and Linda Tuffs at Great House Farm in 1985 as a specialist in free range egg production.

Twenty-six years on, its products now include mayonnaise, pickled eggs, and lemon curd as well as hard boiled eggs and liquid pasteurised eggs for the food industry.

Managing director of Farmhouse Freedom Eggs Mr Tuffs said the merger would offer a comprehensive range of egg products to all their customers.

He added: “Our Welsh customer base is extremely important to us and this merger will enable us to strengthen our Welsh producer base and offer additional support to our farmers.”

Pam Corbett, managing director of Stonegate, said the company was looking forward to welcoming Farmhouse Freedom Eggs’ knowledgeable staff, and was pleased Mr Tuffs would continue to be involved in the business.

Stonegate, which supplies the retail and food service sectors, is continuing to expand its business operations in Wales, after recently investing more than £5 million into its Swansea site.