Major Yorkshire fresh produce wholesaler GT Produce is to acquire the business of Kent based RS Fruits Ltd, which specialises in the marketing of English fruit including apples, plums, cherries and pears.
The acquisition takes effect from Monday and has come about through the strength of the trading relationship between the two firms. Owned and run by Ron Salter for the last seven years, RS has an established reputation within the industry.
Salter is now looking to retire but will continue to work as a consultant for GT Produce for the next 18 months to ensure a smooth transition for customers.
GT Produce is the fresh produce division of Gilbert Thompson (Leeds) Limited, which has been one of the north’s major fresh produce importers and wholesalers for more than 60 years.
RS Fruits will trade under the GT Produce name and give the Yorkshire firm nationwide reach as RS Fruits supplies wholesale markets all over the UK, as well as further its commitment to supporting the interests of UK growers and locally grown produce.
GT Produce managing director Andrew Colburn said: “We are excited about the prospect of working closely with British fruit growers and want to build on Ron Salter’s excellent work over the years to promote their interests yet further.”
Nick Binney has been appointed to manage the RS Fruits business.
