It may be primarily known for strawberries and raspberries, but UK softfruit marketer Berry Gardens is set to broaden its product offering this season by moving into year-round cherry supply to British consumers.
As Berry Gardens’ managing director, Nick Marston, explains, the announcement builds on the company's 'strong position in the UK cherry production arena' and the rapid expansion of UK cherry volumes, and length of season from the end of June until September.
The year-round cherry supply initiative is just one of the recent developments that Berry Gardens will be showcasing at this year’s Fruit Logistica event in Berlin.
The other major development of note has been the recent appointment of British berry grower Paul Kelsey as Berry Gardens’ chairman.
Mr Kelsey, who produces berries in Wickhambreaux, east Kent and has been a member of producer group Berry Gardens Growers (formerly KG Growers) since the 1980s, replaces Marion Regan as chairman of Berry Gardens after 15 years’ service.
In a statement, Mr Kelsey said he planned to reinforce the message with the group’s retail customers that “in dealing with Berry Gardens, they are dealing directly with growers, ensuring transparency and focus, while minimising supply chain cost”.
Mr Marston said Fruit Logistica 2011 would enable Berry Gardens and its new chairman to meet with overseas partners, growers and suppliers.
“Fruit Logistica gives us a valuable chance to both hold planning meetings with existing partners, and also to meet with growers in new geographies who may be interested in accessing the UK berry or cherry market through the UK’s largest and we think best producer group and supplier,” he added.
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