The Northamptonshire-based autonomous division of the Keelings group, IVG White, finds itself comfortably sitting in the inaugural FPJ Big 50.
With a turnover of £57.8 million for the most recent financial year – albeit a reduction from the £62m turnover posted in 2012 – IVG White has made its money through work in three key category areas: top fruit; stonefruit, grapes and kiwi fruit; and salads, including tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.
Julian White, MD of IVG White, says: “Growth in the most recent financial year has been achieved through loyalty and focus to our key customers and grower partners. This has been assisted by our global overview of our specialist categories, vertical integration into the supply chain, and thorough understanding of the UK marketplace.”
The UK market is seen as key to the company’s development, as White notes: “Continued growth in the UK will be achieved through loyalty and partnership to our long-term customers.”
The business has, however, developed a growing export business, which it views as vital to its grower partners.
IVG White, which employs nearly 200 members of staff, but shares other functions of the Ireland-based Keelings group such as a marketing department with Keelings Fresh International, also supplies a range of produce solutions to its customers and suppliers alike – other areas it will look to leverage in 2015.
