Nearly 90 people have lost their jobs at one of the UK's leading fruit importers, Fresh Produce Journal can exclusively reveal.
Luton-based SH Pratt has made 86 members of its workforce redundant, reducing the number of workers it employs to 187.
The firm, which handles imported bananas, pineapples and other tropical fruit at its premises in Luton, entered a consultation period in October - a decision based on'changing market conditions'.
SH Pratt’s operations director, David Bateman, said: “We would like to thank all our employees, especially those directly affected by the restructure, for their assistance and understanding during this difficult period.
“Looking ahead, SH Pratt will look to build on its current business and continue to be one of Luton’s leading employers for many years to come.”
SH Pratt had been lead banana service provider to Morrisons, before the retailer decided to handle its banana ripening internally and purchased a site in Lincolnshire.
This, a spokesperson for SH Pratt told FPJ shortly after the consultation was announced, was one of the reasons for the Bedfordshire firm's restructure.
