Further evidence of the runaway success of the bagged salad market came to light as Florette UK announced plans to extend its Lichfield operations.

As part of the Soléco group, European leader of fresh ready-to-use vegetables, Florette UK offers a wide range of products but it is convenient bagged salads that are flying off the shelves.

Things have moved quickly for Florette since opening it's first plant outside France in 1999. The first bagged salads hit Irish shelves in June 2000, and they have now taken thirty per cent of that market.

Commerical director Mark Newton attributed the success of operations to the fact the company maintains strong links with farmers who are offered agronomic advice and end of season talks. They produce crops to strict controls with respect to the environment.

And for a product with limited shelf life, speed of operations is also crucial. Newton said 'The location of the site is of prime importance, and here at Lichfield, we are no more than six hours from any delivery point in the country.' With a capacity of 6,000 tonnes, an extension and new investments planned for 2002 and 2003. The factory was initially set up in response to an increased demand in the UK. In a market worth £280 million retail, that demand looks set to continue.

And the Irish market has also contributed to Florette's success. Things have moved quickly for the group since the first bags of salad hit Irish shelves in June 2000. Now the Irish market as a whole has proved the most succesful. In under two years it has taken thirty per cent of the market.

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