Blue Diamond Group began in 1904 with the formation of the Fruit Export Company. The business exported Channel Islands produce, particularly tomatoes. The company expanded into other areas including importation of fertiliser, supplying packaging and acquiring glasshouses for tomato and flower production. A Blue Diamond was added to the packaging of all produce exported by the company, which became a respected and recognised trademark. After the Second World War the company evolved further adding garden retailing to its portfolio. The 1970s saw a growth in retail gardening and a diversification into non-gardening businesses, such as retailing and computer software. As a homage to its roots and to reflect its new diversified position, the group changed its name to Blue Diamond Limited in 1991. Blue Diamond currently operates nine garden centres in Winchester, Salisbury, Evesham, Spalding, and Stoke-on-Trent and on the islands of Guernsey and Jersey. In December 2007 Blue Diamond acquired 3Shires Garden Centre in Gloucestershire, formerly known as Hazelfields Garden World.