Producer co-operative Mid Kent Growers (MKG) has elected a new chairman to deal with the tough economic climate and continue its growth in successful marketing.
Nigel Bardsley has replaced Philip Charlton as chairman, after holding the position of vice-chairman for 11 years. The decision was made at a directors, meeting following MKG’s annual general meeting earlier this month.
Bardsley will head up the south-east England producer organisation, which provides the backbone of supply for top-fruit marketing desk Norman Collett.
Barsdley told freshinfo: “I will now be heading up the co-operative with the aim of running it successfully, increasing our membership and turnover.
“In taking up the position, I intend to implement this by using my considerable knowledge of the industry and harnessing the strong marketing we already have in place."
Barsdley said that, while some of MKG’s members may be finding business difficult during the recession, the organisation had benefited from the support of the European Producer Organisation (EPO) programme, which funds various aspects of marketing and production.
He said: “We are definitely growing in turnover but, as with all businesses at the moment, some of our members are struggling to produce enough profit to invest back into their businesses.
“It is very difficult as an individual grower in the modern world so to be in a co-operative makes sense and we have benefited greatly from the EPO programme.”
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