Importer and grower AG Thames has posted an increase in profit to £4.1 million for the 2013 full trading year, FPJ can reveal.
The group’s total sales were up 2.4 per cent from £286m to £293m following a successful year for several varieties.
The UK-grown Sweet Sensation pear saw its strongest performance to date during 2013, while Queen satsuma had its most successful season since the variety launched, which has driven a market leading share position for its customer.
The company said its Red Love apple will see the first small sample volumes this season, while results of European trial plantings of Burchell and Oz Peach are “encouraging” and generating good grower interest in future plantings.
AG Thames chairman Leon Aichen said the economic climate, as well as the ongoing need to control costs and increase efficiency, means there is little opportunity for organic growth.
“We are therefore committed to supporting our long-term future, with particular investment in sustainable technologies, such as biomass on our farms in Norfolk, which should deliver a significant reduction in net carbon emissions over time,” he said.
The company has said it is investing heavily in green technology, including over £175,000 to convert all lighting to LED lighting to cut energy use by 80 per cent.
“The varietal activity, combined with a number of exciting berry collections, allows us to deliver innovation to our customers,” said Aichen. “Overall, despite the economic climate, we believe the group is well placed to meet its challenges and continue its successful development into the future.”
The news comes as the Concept Pear Orchard, developed by AG Thames and East Malling Research, started producing more than 54 tonnes per hectare – more than three times the national conference pear production average of 14 tonnes per hectare.
Aichen concluded: “The business has performed well during 2013, following a challenging previous year, however, the marketplace continues to be very competitive during 2014.”
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