Merseyside fruit importer and distributor Peter Gilding recorded a record turnover of £47 million in its last financial year, and posted higher profits into the bargain.
The Knowsley firm, which supplies direct outlets and wholesale markets across the UK, increased sales year-on-year by eight per cent in the year to September, 2007. It reported profits of £617,000 compared with £514,000 the previous year.
Chief executive Peter Gilding said the 20-year-old company had registered its best year yet despite difficult trading conditions. “This is primarily due to the completion and use of the new on-site pre-packing facility, which has been in use for a full year,” he said in a statement.
“This has strengthened our business activities and enabled us to offer an enhanced range of services to our customers and suppliers which in turn has boosted our sales.”
He added that the prevalent problems in the sector are “primarily overcome by maintaining excellent working relationships with a very open and honest approach where any issues are highlighted at a very early stage and dealt with within a very tight timescale.
“Our continuing strength in sourcing produce from around the world has seen a significant improvement in the quality of the goods.”
