Growers’ group toasts a very successful 2013, but change is afoot with a new chairman set to take the helm
Berry Gardens has recorded its highest-ever pre-tax profit return on the back of a strong turnover.
For the 2013 financial year, group turnover was up 2.6 per cent from 2012 to £212.8 million, with pre-tax profits at £3.6m.
As a result, Berry Gardens will be rebating some £2.8m of commissions to its members, and this figure rises to £3.8m when all other 2013 rebates to members are included.
Speaking at the 42nd AGM of Berry Gardens Growers Limited, which was held in Edinburgh at the Dakota Hotel, chairman Paul Kelsey, said: “2013 was a challenging year with a late start to the season due to an exceptionally cold spring. However Berry Gardens rose to the challenge and, under these difficult circumstances, Berry Gardens Limited has delivered an outstanding set of results.
“Berry Gardens has invested significantly in its packhouse over the last few years with the project complete in November 2013. The size of the site has almost doubled from 60,000 sq ft to 110,000 sq ft. In addition, we have we have also introduced significant upgrades to our internal processes and systems meaning the packhouse is now well positioned to handle the expanding counter season volumes from our partners, Driscoll’s and other growers.”
After more than three years as chairman, Paul Kelsey will be stepping down and replaced by his vice-chairman, Alastair Brooks of Langdon Manor Farm, Kent.
As a soft fruit grower, Brooks has been a member of Berry Gardens for 30 years and a board member since 1994.
He said: “Berry Gardens continue to lead the industry with their knowledge, experience and access to exclusive varieties from our partnership with Driscoll’s. As a grower co-operative we work with our customers to ensure quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“The recent good weather has meant an early start to the UK season which we hope bodes well for the rest of the summer.”
Brooks will be supported by Robin Walker as vice-chairman. Walker is currently a non-executive director of Berry Gardens with extensive experience in the food industry, most notably with Heinz.