The Mack annual review has been released, covering the 12 months to April 30 2002.

Mack is one of the largest suppliers of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers in the UK. It supplies the major retailers, catering operators, processors, wholesalers and independent retailers across the country. Mack aims to provide its customers with quality produce and the good service at competitive prices.

There are two operating divisions of Mack. Mack Multiples Division sources fresh fruits, salads and vegetables for the UK's major supermarkets. Mack Wholesale and Service Division supplies a full range of fresh and prepared fruits, vegetables and flowers to the retail and service sectors from branches at five regional wholesale markets.

During the year to April 2002, Mack achieved strong sales growth with turnover up 13 per cent from £238m to £269m. A large proportion of this growth was generated by an increase in sales to the supermarkets, but Mack's Wholesale Division also increased sales by five per cent despite the negative impact of the aftermath of September 11 on sales to airline caterers.

Mack's profits increased from £7.08m to £7.31m. Behind this increase Mack saw continued pressure on its gross margins while costs were adversely affected by a number of non-recurring items of expenditure.

The balance sheet remains strong with net asset value of Mack up from £30m to £35m.

Executive chairman Christopher Mack said: 'Trading during the first few weeks of the new financial year has been encouraging although we are experiencing significant price deflation.

'We continue to develop the services that we provide our customers, whatever their size or type of operation. Our simple aim is to be perceived as the best fresh produce company in the UK.

'Above all, we have an excellent team of strong and motivated management across the business and we are keen to ensure that we exploit every opportunity for profitable growth.'

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