A total of 48 companies have been given the accolade of best trading partner for 2001 in the latest edition of Plimsoll Publishings fresh produce report, entitled Trailblazers.

The 48 companies were chosen from a list of 1,000, selected according to financial and commercial success. A good balance sheet, good profitability, and sound cash control were among the criteria considered to denote success. On average, the 48 best trading partners grew by 12 per cent last year, compared to an industry average of -0.1 per cent. Profit margins at 2.5 per cent were also above the industry average of 1.4 per cent. The report stresses that it is the overall performance that sets them apart.

Brittanic Fruit Importers Ltd comes in for special praise by the report. The importer was founded in 1994 and now has an established business of £4.9 million, achieving growth of 6.1 per cent. It specialises in a range of produce from Spain and other sources, including strawberries, avocados, iceberg and citrus.

Salvador Carceles, one of Brittanic Fruit's three partners said the secret of success was adhering to a number of simple rules of business. 'You get good quality gear, you sell it and you pay your exporters,' he said. 'The business is getting difficult and there are wholesalers disappearing – we have to watch them. But so far, so good.' Also singled out is English Village Salads Ltd, which had the largest market share increase over the last year, with a sales increase of £9.5m, making for total sales of £67m. The 14 per cent growth is well above the industry average, according to Plimsoll.

John Dobson & Son (Carlton) Ltd achieved the greatest improvement in profit margin during the last 12 months. The company now has £3.6m worth of sales annually.

The 48 companies featured in the Trailblazers report will receive a special award over the coming weeks in recognition of their contribution to the fresh produce industry. 'These companies are taking the industry forward, effectively changing the rules of the game and proving that the fresh produce industry can reward innovation and niche performance,' said Plimsoll's Jennifer Ovington.

The special edition report is priced £395 and also features outstanding company performance in 15 areas of business, including sales growth, efficiency, best use of people and best young businesses.

To order a copy, call Jennifer Ovington on (01642) 257 800. A five per cent discount is available upon mentioning this article.

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