Following the change in ownership of Tilbury Chill Stores last year, Zespri and Seatrade have opted for long-established fresh produce services provided by MMD at Portsmouth. 'Portsmouth is a good location in terms of transport connections and proximity to many of the major retail depots and hubs,' said Lorraine Kirby Zespri's UK & Ireland marketing manager. 'MMD has a very good reputation in their handling of other fresh produce including bananas and citrus. Zespri has dedicated quayside storage and handling facilities for up to 2,500 pallets.' Zespri will also benefit from a team of permanent quality-control staff at the port co-ordinated by the company's own technical and operations manager Geoffrey Murdoch. And the packing facility at the port will see Zespri able to offer a wider range of pack types to all sectors of the trade than in previous seasons. The New Zealand kiwifruit exporter expects to bring in some 11,000 pallets of fruit this season.

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