Janic Import & Export has completed a merger with Keelings UK Ltd, which will see the two companies combine under the Keelings banner.
Keelings originally bought into Janic in 1999, taking a 75 per cent share. An agreement has now been reached which sees Terry Watts, Janic managing director, sell his remaining 25 per cent of the Harlow-based melon and pineapple specialist to the Irish family.
Watts will now become joint md of Keelings UK, working alongside William Keeling, who has run Keelings UK’s packing and distribution depot on the same site as Janic for the last six years. “Changing our name to Keelings was first discussed when we became part of the group eight years ago,” said Watts. “However, the decision was made to remain Janic until the time was right to change. That time is now. It creates a new force in the fresh produce market, with the scale and resource to compete with anyone. The news has been very well received by all our staff, clients and suppliers, as they recognise our commitment to the future. I am still very passionate about this industry so I will remain involved with all areas of the business and look forward to the challenges that lay ahead.”
Keelings UK is engaged in a significant expansion drive, having already purchased IVG White and B Prepared in the last 12 months.
“There has been a lot of consolidation in the industry this year, with various companies changing hands and others changing format. We have some very positive and exciting plans. This merger is the sensible, practical, logical and commercially right thing to do, and we are confident that we will have a UK turnover in excess of £100 million by the end of next year,” Watts said.
Janic has long been recognised as the leading melon importer in the UK, and has also made significant progress in the pineapple sector. It is also moving swiftly into the fresh prepared market, majoring on its two core product lines and mango.
