ASF directors - Lochy, James and Angus Porter and John & Andrew Gray

Quite possibly one of the youngest firms in the FPJ Big 50, having only been formed 20 years ago, Angus Soft Fruits (ASF) is nonetheless a big player in the world of berry production.

ASF markets berries to UK multiple retailers year-round, with the majority of its produce grown on the east coast of Scotland, where its headquarters are.

This offering is complemented by imports through the winter from Holland, Morocco, Egypt and South and Central America, enabling the business to offer year-round supply.

Some of its strawberries and raspberries, meanwhile, can be found under the company’s brand, Good Natured.

The berry specialist was established by three growers, Lochy Porter, his father Willie Porter, and James Gray, with the aim of benefiting both customers and growers through direct contact between the two.

As for how ASF achieved a turnover of £70.4 million in the most recent financial year, Gray, the business’ commercial director, says: “The firm works closely with growers, and has an in-house breeding programme developing new tastier, higher-yielding, longer shelf-life berries for the market.”

“The berry category continues to grow each year as more and more consumers buy into the health and taste attributes of the category. Angus Soft Fruits will continue to expand its production of berries to allow sustained growth of the business.”