MW Mack, the UK’s largest independent fresh produce supplier, has reported an increase in group turnover to more than £300 million in the year to April 29, 2005.
The figure is a four per cent increase on the 2004 figure of £288.6m. Gross profit fell slightly, from £15.97m to £15.62m, although there were small increases in operating profit, and post-tax profit on ordinary activities.
Chairman of Mack, Christopher Mack, said the group had performed well in an “incredibly competitive market”. The last financial year incorporated the purchase of Primafruit and the creation of a new holding company, Fresca Group Ltd, which is now the owner of both Mack and Primafruit.
Mack said that Mack Multiples and Mack Service and the group’s wholesale division had all performed well, while DGM Growers expanded its business to include fresh vegetables as well as its existing potatoes and organics business.
The review document was brightened by illustrations by the children of Mukwashe in Zambia, for whom Mack and Zambian supplier Borassus have been raising money since 2003. Some $40,000 has been raised to date. The initial aim was to build and equip a school on one of the Borassus farms to enable children to be educated closer to home. It is almost complete, with four classrooms, four offices, running water and electricity already installed. Lessons will begin in January 2006, and 240 children will benefit each day.
Mack also divulged that between April 2004 and April 2005, amongst other things it sold 64,466 tonnes of oranges, lemons, limes and easy peelers, imported more than 427m bananas and provided fresh produce for more than 25m airline meals.
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