Emmett UK Ltd has reached an agreement to purchase the shares of brassica supplier TA Smith & Co (Tasco), a move which is expected in the trade to fit into place with a rationalisation of Tesco’s brassica supplier network.
The Emmett’s agreement was reached with the family and directors of Lincolnshire-based Tasco.
“Our key priorities throughout the process have been the people, the suppliers, the customers and the growing crops,” said Emmett UK md Jonathan Tremayne.
Emmett’s facilities are based at Fosdyke in Lincs and Tasco’s at Croft. “There will be a root and branch review of all activities to see where the Croft site can help with the overall development and growth of the Emmett Group,” said Tremayne. “We have an increasing portfolio of products grown for both national and local solutions… We look forward to building a great business at Croft.”
Tremayne, who only joined Emmett UK from G’s this month, said the move is very positive. “We are keeping all the people on at Tasco and this is really good news,” he said.
A spokeswoman for Tesco’s brassica-buying team told freshinfo the retailer is aware that Emmett’s has bought Tasco, but that talk of rationalisation was premature. “With regard to supply-base rationalisation, nothing has been finalised yet,” she said. “But we would like to reassure producers that we understand that growers have had a tough time because of severe weather this year.
“It is true to say that we are always looking at how we can ensure value for our customers - there is nothing new in that - but we always balance that with ensuring returns to growers.”
But one Lincolnshire supplier remains sceptical. “Life is becoming more difficult in the brassica sector in Lincolnshire, and a lot of smaller growers have gone out of business in recent years,” he told freshinfo. “As it is, there is barely enough product to serve the supermarkets when we are at the height of the UK season.
“We really can’t afford for even one more packer or grower to disappear. It is a real shame, but as an industry we struggle to meet demand and there is virtually nothing left over from the UK for the wholesalers or caterers. Individual growers are very worried about this sort of rationalisation.”
Tremayne, however, dismissed this view as “mud-slinging” and “sour grapes”.
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