A number of fresh produce companies have been named among the 1,000 most inspirational businesses in the UK.
The London Stock Exchange Group's 1,000 Companies To Inspire Britain 2018 is described as a celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized businesses in the country.
This year's edition features a wide selection of firms from the fresh produce sector, including Vidafresh, Rodanto, Ripe Now, Wellocks, Pukka Herbs, Peter Broughton, Pacific Produce, Natoora, Haygrove, County Supplies, Bryans Salads, PDM Produce, EC Drummond, Edward Vinson, Ribble Farm Fare and Best Foods.
Speaking about the food sector, the report's authors wrote: 'The food and drink industry is one of the most important creators of jobs in the UK, with around 400,000 people employed across the country, largely in small and medium-sized companies.
'The figure is only likely to grow in the coming years, with 140,000 new recruits likely to be needed by 2024 to feed the country’s growing population. The industry is having to deal with some significant challenges at the moment, not least the consequences of the Brexit vote, which could make life harder for a sector that currently relies on EU nationals for almost a third of its workforce.'
Terry Watts, chief executive of Vidafresh, said of his company's second inclusion in the list: “From the inception of Vidafresh in 2010, our passion for fresh produce has taken our business from strength to strength. This is a complete team effort and huge thanks go out to our great team at Vidafresh, the amazing growers we work with around the world and our customers who have supported us so positively from the very start.'
Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of London Stock Exchange, said: “We warmly congratulate all of the companies identified in this year’s report. Five years on, the report continues to demonstrate the strength and diversity of British businesses across the country. These dynamic companies are the backbone of our economy, playing an important role in the UK’s ability to innovate, export and grow.'
The full report can be accessed here.
