Soft-fruit producers co-operative KG Growers Ltd announced record sales for 2007 at its recent annual general meeting. Turnover of KGG members’ strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, cherries and plums increased from £95 million to £117m, up 23 per cent on 2006 levels.
Commenting on the results, KGG chairman Marion Regan said: “2007 was an important year for KGG. We began the year by forming Berry Gardens, the European soft fruit marketing company, with our partners Driscolls and Alconeras. Although this really was a logical next step in the evolution of KGG it genuinely does herald that start of a new era for us. The board of KGG has always sought the best, most profitable route to market for members’ fruit and we are certain that Berry Gardens will provide that for us and for our customers.”
She added that inevitably 2007 was a busy year for the Berry Gardens team led by Nick Marston. “At KGG we have been impressed by how the whole team rose to the challenge of servicing our customers and managing the integration,” said Regan. “KGG members delivered the production which enabled Berry Gardens to show our customers that we can grow their sales and margins too.” Members of KGG at the meeting also heard that KGG grew faster than the market in both strawberries and raspberries, and as a result increased market share for both berry types.
“Jubilee is clearly established as the market-leading premium strawberry, and Maravilla has revolutionised raspberry growing for KGG members,” said Regan. “We look forward to other proprietary varieties making an equally big impact - the blackberry Carmel may well be one, and there are other promising prospects.”
Last year also saw increased production within KGG of non-Driscoll types Sonata and Albion.
KGG is resolved to be a highly competent production arm for BerryGardens.
Marion Regan thanked vice-chairman Alastair Brooks for his contribution and two gifts were awarded to former chairman Angus Davison MBE. Regan also welcomed Elizabeth Wade to the board as a non-executive director.
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