Fresca, the largest privately-owned supplier of fresh produce to the UK market, has announced a profit before taxation of €14.3m (£11.5m) in the year to 25 April 2008, compared with €6.1m (£4.94m) in the year to 27 April 2007.

Chairman Chris Mack stated that he was “pleased” to report such good results for the financial year, given the “tough” trading conditions. He highlighted the increase in energy prices, unpredictable weather patterns, the depreciation of the pound against the euro, and the state of the UK economy as major challenges for the year.

However, he maintained that Fresca was “well placed” to weather the economic uncertainty in the UK. “We have a great team, considerable scale and an enviable worldwide supply base,” he said. “We deal with products that are healthy and convenient. We will continue to focus all our attention on satisfying the needs of our customers and their consumers.”