Del Monte (UK) has turned its business around to record a healthy profit and re-open two depots which it was forced to close as the rigours of the recession hit the business.
The company posted a pre-tax profit turnaround, recording a figure of £2.9m in the 53 week period to 1 January 2010, as opposed to a loss of £1.3m for the 52 weeks to 26 December 2008, accounts filed at Companies House this week show.
The firm attributed the success to increased demand for bananas, which enabled it to re-open two depots that had been closed the previous year.
Operating profit also improved in 2009 as a result of increased turnover combined with “efficiency savings delivered across all of the business sectors [Del Monte] operate in”. Turnover rose from £112.5m in 2008 to £140m in 2009, a strong increase even accounting for the extra trading week.
Staffing was reduced during the period with an overall total of 692 average monthly staff in 2008 taken down to 559 the following year. There were some 58 fewer staff on average in the manufacturing side of the business, with 75 fewer in the sales, administration and warehouse sector.
James Harvey, managing director of Del Monte UK, told FPJ: “We continue to focus on our core strengths and to leverage our brand, ensuring that Del Monte persists in adding value and strong relevance to our consumer base.”
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