Fresh produce giant AG Thames Group secured a pre-tax profit of £3.9 million and a total sales increase of three per cent to £302m for its 2014 year-end accounts.
The company said it was pleased with overall trading, and noted particularly strong results from its soft-fruit businesses, which saw a sales increase of 26 per cent.
Chairman and founder Leon Aichen also credited the success of Sweet Sensation pears, and pointed to the launch of new berry Blue Honeysuckle, also known as Haskap, as examples of NPD and varietal development.
“Despite a very challenging environment, we are pleased with our overall trading performance during this financial year and are focused on developing a number of initiatives to continue our growth,” he said.
“A volatile economy, competitive markets and ever-present industry changes continued to challenge us throughout 2014. The effect of this was most evident across our more mature businesses.
“However, our soft-fruit businesses achieved a sales increase of 26 per cent, which included a positive first full trading year of our Spanish subsidiary, Soloberry. Chingford Fruit maintained its position with its main fruit categories performing well.”
Aichen said relationships with growers remain “strong”, and he said the business will continue to work closely with existing growers, as well as attracting new growers that are a good strategic fit to the business.
“As a commitment to supporting our long-term future, we have embedded lean manufacturing principles in our key sites which, together with targeted capital investment and system improvements, are increasing our efficiency and enabling us to meet tight product quality criteria,” he added.
“Overall, despite continuing industry challenges, we are confident the group is well positioned to remain successful going forward and progress positively with the ongoing support of its growers and customers.”
