Case study: Partnership between Wilkin & Sons & Essex
Founded in 1885 in Tiptree, Essex, Wilkin & Sons Limited is internationally recognised for its “Tiptree” brand of fruit preserves. With strawberries playing a significant role in revenue, improving crop yield while reducing environmental impact is central to the company’s long-term growth.
The business set out an ambitious vision: to achieve fungicide-free production, increase yield and strengthen its market position. By reducing reliance on plant protection measures and positioning products as fungicide-free, Wilkin & Sons aims to unlock both commercial and environmental benefits.
Driving innovation through collaboration
To achieve this, Wilkin & Sons partnered with the University of Essex through a pioneering Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The collaboration brings together expertise from the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering and the School of Life Sciences, combining strengths in IoT, image processing and plant productivity.
Working with Dr Vahid Abolghasemi, Dr Hossein Anisi and Professor Tracey Lawson, the team is developing a cutting-edge approach to tackling plant disease. Using drone surveys and novel IoT technologies, the project captures data to detect and predict outbreaks of diseases such as mildew and botrytis. Techniques including spectral analysis, image processing and machine learning are enabling earlier, more accurate intervention.
Sustainable growth and long-term impact
The new monitoring and prediction system has the potential to transform how crops are managed. By reducing and eventually eliminating preventative spraying, Wilkin & Sons can improve yields, lower costs and reduce environmental impact.
The partnership is also opening up new opportunities, including collaboration with Essex’s Robotics Lab to explore future applications of the technology. In the longer term, the company plans to license the system, supporting further growth and helping to futureproof the business.
Essex has secured more Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership funding than any other university in the UK. Through this programme, you could receive funding covering up to 67% of your project costs. We will guide you through the entire process, drawing on a sector-leading track record of success. Each project is commercially focused and powered by the university’s world-class research expertise.
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