Leading UK-based fruit marketer and distributor Worldwide Fruit has officially opened a new 4,831m2 packhouse in central England at a ceremony today (25 July).
Local MP John Hayes, who cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, said the facility would 'enable Worldwide Fruit to go from strength to strength'.
The total cost of the premises, which have been operational since January, is estimated at €6.3m and includes four large cold stores, 10 double tier ripening chambers and a 2,043m2 temperature controlled packing hall with 13 packing lines. The facility also features 371m2 of packaging stores, as well as a despatch area and a 789m2 office.
Speaking at the official opening, Worldwide Fruit CEO Robert Balicki said the new facility would enable the company to meet the demands of its customers, with a purpose built factory that has guaranteed levels of production.
'We think it's a fantastic site – all of our customers who have seen have been very impressed by it,' Mr Balicki told Fruitnet. 'It has one of the most modern ripening facilities in the country.'
Worldwide Fruit is a leading UK supplier and distributor of international and British fruit. Created in 2000, and now with a turnover in excess of €127m, the company specialises in importing Southern Hemisphere apples and avocados, as well as marketing the English apple crop.
