Darren Leadon and Chris Rowe celebrate the deal

Darren Leadon and Chris Rowe celebrate the deal

DG Fruit UK has acquired Kent firm Simply Fruit to expand its portfolio of produce.

Importer DG bought 100 per cent of the shares Simply Fruit on 17 December and all staff at the latter will move to DG’s offices in Surrey.

Simply Fruit was established five years ago by Darren Leadon and specialises in bringing in niche produce from a wide variety sources, including considerable volumes from China.

DG Fruit is part of the Dutch De Groot Fresh group supplying a wide range of customers nationwide.

DG Fruit managing director Chris Rowe will head up the business in partnership with Leadon.

The move will give Simply Fruit a stronger financial backing and a greater portfolio of product availability, according to Rowe.

Rowe told freshinfo: “ Darren and I have been friends for many years and have discussed this for a long time, deciding the time is right to make the move.

“Simply gives DG new product lines, new customers and strengthens the team overall. Our philosophy will remain the same - we are only interested in mutually sustainable business - split between DG, the supplier and customer, this has and always will, work for us.”

Leadon added: “It was the right thing at the right time for me, I can maintain and strengthen relations with all customers and suppliers and build for the future. I look forward to being part of a bigger team in the UK. With the backing of the De Groot Fresh group in Holland the potential is enormous.”