The Re:fresh judges have selected Sheerness-based Capespan as FPJ Importer of the Year for the second successive year.
Long established as a respected supplier of fresh produce to the UK market, the breadth of the company best known for its South African roots is extensive. Its basket of produce has extended significantly in the last decade, and Capespan has been instrumental in the development of table grape supplies from India, Egypt and Namibia, and top fruit from China, among many other geographically diverse projects.
The success of Capespan’s procurement strategy has resulted in what it describes as a “unique global network of partnerships with Capespan at its centre, connecting the market and growers”.
Capespan is actively involved in developing and trialling new technologies intended to reduce overall packaging and improve product quality and sustainability. Projects have included the ongoing evaluation of a carton-less transport system for apples; the introduction of ‘naked cucumbers’; trials to develop modified atmosphere grape packaging; commercial trials of an energy-saving grape carton; and trials with compostable bio-plastic packaging materials on sensitive pome fruit varieties.
Martin Dunnett, Capespan trading director, told freshinfo: "To win for the second year is a testimony to a lot of the great work we continue to do, especially with such a strong field.
"We have very longstanding principles to do with working with good people, innovative strategies, offering a wide range of products and working with good people so it's good to see that diversity rewarded.
"We have a very wide global network and to win this award in as discerning a market as the UK will ensure we are held up as an example of best practice across the company. It will definitely benefit our staff - receiving recognition from your peers in such difficult economic conditions is a real boost."
The importer fended off competition in the category from Spalding-based importer Empire World Trade, which focuses primarily on top fruit, and Mack Multiples, one of the largest suppliers of imported fresh produce to the UK market, at the ceremony at the London Marriott last night.
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