Plimsoll's 2003 analysis of the top 200 companies in the fresh produce industry has revealed a mixed performance in the last 12 months.

The research revealed that companies in the industry averaged sales growth of 8.4 per cent.

Ranked by sales turnover, only seven companies retained the same sales position as last year, while 55 moved up the sales ladder and 117 fell down a few rungs. There were 21 new entrants.

Spalding-based Empire World Trade rose more places than any other firm, moving up six to become the 16th largest company in the elite list.

Richard Lowes, managing director, told the Journal: 'We have consolidated this growth into the year-ending April 2003. Four years ago, we took the decision internally to source New Zealand apples outside of the single desk selling system, which led to a short-term loss of sales over two years, but placed us in a strong position post-deregulation.

'We also started a wholesale market trading division, Empire World Trade Growers Direct, which is going well, and we are developing a wider customer base. We have seen growth in our turnover for apples, pears and stonefruit.' David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll, said: 'The figures shows just how mixed performances within the fresh produce industry can be. EWT's performance is exceptional in a highly competitive market. But as always in such a difficult trading environment, one person's gain is often another's loss. It's a tight situation to be in, but there is promise. Many businesses are proving that averages can be smashed.' Profitability ranking, which tends to see the biggest swings, recorded average margins in the group at just 1.6 per cent. Only six companies have sustained the same profit ranking with 64 moving upwards and 117 dropping back.

The number of loss makers increased to 24 companies with five losing money for the second successive year. Pattison concluded: 'There could be many reasons why companies dropped out. Once you're at the bottom end, it might not take a lot to drop.'

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