Chilli importer and grower Matsofresh has overcome tough financial conditions to get back on its feet, according to md Matt Rogers.

After two major customers went into liquidation and UK chillies suffered a late harvest due to poor weather, the company’s finances were on the rocks.

“Careful planning was made a year ago, but we could not have foreseen the losses taken by clients going into liquidation,” said Rogers. “That put us in a very difficult financial situation. But thanks to the tremendous support of our longstanding suppliers and customers, we have hauled ourselves back out on top again.”

Major investment over the last year saw a shift in the company’s activities, switching from reliance on imports to 75 per cent of its produce now coming from its own growing operations. UK glasshouse production was increased, plus a further four hectares of protected cropping area in Portugal was added, and the final expansion chapter was the completion of Matso’s chilli processing unit on its farm in England.

“We have now achieved vertical integration and can utilise all the chillies we grow,” added Rogers.

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