London-based wholesale market Western International's first dedicated organic fresh produce company, B&S Organics, will open its doors when the market moves to its new, £19m site near Heathrow Airport on 7 July.
The new company, which will be run as a subsidiary of the family-owned wholesale business B&S Fruits Ltd alongside foodservice operation Aldridge's, will be headed up by Malcolm Louis.
The establishment of the new organics division will make B&S Fruits the largest occupant in terms of trading and administration area at the new wholesale market.
George Bray, chairman of the Western International Market Tenants' Association said: 'We have made a major investment at the ideal time as we move into modern premises. It coincides with an increasing demand for organics by the consumer.'
'This has already been reinforced by requests from our market customers, which range across retailers, hotels, restaurants and catering companies in London and over a far wider radius across the adjacent Home Counties,' he added. 'We have been delighted by the support from organic growers and specialist distributors over the months prior to our relocation. This will allow us to provide a full range of top quality organic fresh fruit, salads, vegetables and herbs.'
B&S Organics also plans to provide buyers with a telephone and e-mail ordering service, and will also arrange deliveries.