Worldwide Fruit has increased both its profit and turnover.
Figures released to Companies House for the most recent financial year reveal that the Lincolnshire and Kent-based company posted a pre-tax profit of just over £2 million, up from just over £1.5m in the previous 12 months.
Worldwide Fruit’s turnover for the year to 28 June 2014 was £116.1m, up from £113.2m in the preceding financial year, and a significant increase on the £104.4m turnover recorded by the firm for the year ending 30 June 2012.
Paul Mansfield, a director at Worldwide Fruit, which sources, packs and distributes fruit, said: “The major annual movements have been a reduction in avocado sales; more than offset by gains made in the apple and pear business.
“The avocado margin has reduced year on year due to high raw material prices not being matched by an increase in price to our customers.”
During the financial year the data covers, Worldwide Fruit invested £631,000 in a new warehouse extension to the Spalding production unit – a development that was unveiled last month.
This extension is seen as crucial to Worldwide Fruit going forward, as it reduces the need for external third-party storage, thereby “providing a greater degree of control over fruit quality and reducing fruit handling.”
Mansfield added: “The Jazz variety is continuing to grow in volumes sold and variety recognition by consumers. Further volume growth is expected.”
Founded in the year 2000, and sourcing from more than 1,000 growers across the world, incuding the UK, Worldwide Fruit employs nearly 260 people.
It has recently won awards for championing British produce and supply chain excellence from Waitrose and Marks & Spencer respectively.
Fifty per cent of Worldwide Fruit is owned by Fruition PO, with the other half of the company owned by Enzafruit New Zealand (UK).
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