Innovation, with purpose.
The AgileChain suite was developed to help organisations build smarter, fairer and more sustainable food supply chains.
Developed by Equilibrium Markets, AgileChain brings together more than a decade of experience in food procurement, supply chains and digital innovation. It helps organisations better understand their supply chains, improve purchasing decisions and create value beyond price alone.
For too long, food procurement has been shaped by fragmented supply chains, limited visibility and systems that prioritise cost over long-term value. Since 2013, the team behind AgileChain has been working to change that.
We believe food procurement can deliver more than food. It can support SMEs and local economic growth, strengthen communities, improve health and help create a more sustainable and prosperous future.
For our people, the planet and future generations.
From experience to innovation.
For almost a decade, Equilibrium Markets, the team behind AgileChain, operated its own ambient, chilled and frozen food distribution network, working closely with producers, distributors, caterers and buyers every day. This practical experience gave us first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities across grocery and catering supply chains.
Alongside this work, our in-house engineering team developed technology to automate manual processes, improve efficiency and provide greater visibility across procurement, ordering, fulfilment, delivery and invoicing; AgileChain.
Our multi-award-winning AgileChain platform brings together years of operational experience and technology innovation to help procurers, caterers, distributors, wholesalers and producers build more efficient, prosperous and resilient supply chains.
In 2022, recognising the transformative potential of this work, we focused on delivering AgileChain as a Saas platform.
Through our consultancy expertise and AgileChain technology, we help organisations transform the way they buy food, strengthen supply chains and implement Dynamic Food Procurement, turning strategy into measurable results.
Our vision.
We believe better food supply chains are the foundation for healthier communities, a stronger economy and a more sustainable future.
Everything we do is driven by three ambitions: to improve food security and resilience, restore planetary health, and enhance local economic growth and public health. These are the challenges that shape our work and the lasting, positive impacts we are determined to create through every project, partnership and innovation.
With practical expertise, innovative technology and Dynamic Food Procurement, we help organisations create food systems that are more connected, transparent and resilient, delivering better outcomes for people, communities and the environment alike.
Our values.
The way we work is just as important as what we do.
We face complex challenges with Joy in Adversity, bringing optimism, creativity and a sense of purpose to our work. We are Limitless in our thinking; open-minded, adaptable and always seeking new opportunities to create positive change. And we act with Integrity, prioritising the greater good and holding ourselves to the highest standards of honesty, accountability and ethical practice.
These values shape our culture, guide our decisions and underpin our commitment to building better food systems.
For our people, the planet and future generations.
Our journey.
2013Building the foundations
A shared passion for strengthening UK food security sparks the creation of Equilibrium Markets by entrepreneurs Rich Osborn, Lee Butler and Steve Osborn.
2014Learning from the supply chain
Equilibrium Markets launches Fresh-Range, an online retail and catering platform across the West of England, and gains first-hand insight into food supplier and distributor operations.
The platform connected more than 10,000 buyers with over 400 local producers, supporting regional food ecosystems and facilitating the distribution of fresh, local produce. The technology behind Fresh-Range lays the foundations for what will later become AgileChain.
2015A new approach
Equilibrium Markets is appointed by Bath and North East Somerset Council to develop a viable route to market for small and medium-sized producers to supply fresh produce to schools as part of the county's local food strategy.
Eighteen months of development begins to combine the needs of public sector catering, distributor logistics, procurement compliance and SME producer inclusion.
The vision for Dynamic Food Procurement is born.
2016Turning vision into innovation
Building on the Dynamic Food Procurement concept, Equilibrium Markets invests in technology development to create a new approach that enables schools, universities, hospitals and care institutions to source fresh, local produce through shorter, transparent supply chains.
This work leads to Equilibrium Markets becoming a finalist in the Western Daily Press Outstanding Contribution to Food Awards and the BBC Food & Farming Awards.
2017Proving a new model works
Equilibrium Markets’ Dynamic Food Procurement pilot with Bath and North East Somerset Council demonstrates that shorter supply chains can deliver better outcomes.
More than 60 schools gain access to fresher produce from local farms. SME producers access public sector markets for the first time. Food costs fall by 6%, while carbon emissions are reduced through fewer food miles.
The Guardian names Equilibrium Markets a “Food Tech Pioneer”.
2018Building a movement
Equilibrium Markets establishes the Dynamic Food Procurement Advisory Board at the request of DEFRA, chaired by the Deputy CEO of the Soil Association.
The board brings together organisations including DEFRA, the National Farmers' Union and the Government Commercial Agency to help shape the future of public sector food procurement.
Equilibrium Markets also receives the Crumbs Award for Best Revolutionary Food Technology.
2019National recognition
Bath and North East Somerset Council names Equilibrium Markets Green Business Leader of the Year.
The Government Commercial Agency announces plans to scale the Dynamic Food Procurement model nationally.
Universities including Bristol, Bath and the University of the West of England begin working with Equilibrium Markets to develop more sustainable procurement approaches and increase access for local suppliers.
2020Developing AgileChain
An EFRA Committee inquiry validates the Dynamic Food Procurement model, while the Soil Association describes Equilibrium Markets’ technology as having “transformative potential”.
Recognising the opportunity to scale its impact, Equilibrium Markets closes its logistics operations and focuses exclusively on AgileChain technology, delivering SaaS solutions for farming, catering, food distribution and procurement.
2021National endorsement
Equilibrium Markets secures funding from Innovate UK and the British Business Bank Future Fund to accelerate AgileChain's development.
The National Food Strategy recognises Equilibrium Markets’ pioneering work and recommends Dynamic Food Procurement as a model for wider adoption across the UK.
2022Expanding through partnership
Equilibrium Markets announces a strategic partnership with Entegra, the group purchasing arm of Sodexo.
The partnership combines Entegra's purchasing expertise with Equilibrium Markets’ technology and experience in Dynamic Food Procurement and short supply chains.
2023Shaping the future
An independent government review identifies AgileChain as a pivotal platform for transforming public sector food procurement and accelerating the transition to healthier, more sustainable food systems.
TodayBuilding better food systems
Today, Equilibrium Markets combines consultancy expertise with award-winning AgileChain technology to help organisations transform the way they buy food, strengthen supply chains and implement Dynamic Food Procurement — turning strategy into measurable results.
Our journey continues to be one of collaboration, learning and impact.
Explore what’s possible
Whether you're looking to improve visibility across your supply chain, better understand your data or explore Dynamic Food Procurement, get in touch to discover how AgileChain could support your organisation.