Berry Gardens' growers will be rewarded with the largest rebate in the history of the cooperative after a strong sales performance.
The news was unveiled as Berry Gardens held its 43rd AGM at the Royal Windsor Race Course on Monday (27 April).
In his inaugural AGM speech, chairman Alastair Brooks said: “After enduring two seasons of difficult weather in 2012 and 2013, the early season last year was very welcome, and has helped us achieve a 13 per cent increase in UK sales.
'Our import business also grew significantly at 20 per cent assisted by the increased capacity at the Berry Gardens Packhouse. As a result 2014 has been the best ever year for the Group, with total sales turnover reaching £242 million, an increase of 14 per cent year on year.”
He added: “The board's strategy of investing in the production and marketing of high-quality exclusive varieties of berries with our long-term partner Driscoll’s and exclusive cherry varieties from world-leading breeding programmes continues to set us apart from competitors and we have enjoyed market share growth across many lines.
'Our unique grower-owned structure and thus rebates to growers rather than dividends to owners further enables our members to invest in production for the future.
'The high street continues to evolve at a pace with the discounters forging ahead with ambitious growth plans and the shopping patterns of the UK consumer challenging the way we package, market and sell soft fruit - with our continued focus on quality and delighting our customers we will provide a sustainable future for our members in an exciting category.
'With our continued investment in both the Berry Gardens’ agronomy team and research and development underpinned by our unique strength as a cooperative, Berry Gardens will continue to lead the market.'
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