Freshtime MD Mark Newton and site general manager Paul Faulkner

MD Mark Newton with site general manager Paul Faulkner

Fast-growing prepared vegetable and salads specialist Freshtime’s recruitment drive suggests the company has big plans for the future.

This year’s £46 million turnover was achieved by organic growth through NPD, as well as category insight into new trends and promotional opportunities, according to managing director Mark Newton.

The company is refreshingly happy to talk about future plans, and Newton says he is looking to continue growth of a number of product areas in both retail and foodservice.

Currently based on one site in Boston, Lincolnshire, the company says there is some scope to expand, but that it would also “consider new sites if appropriate”. Its full range of vegetables and salads is prepared on-site in the company’s own high-care facility, where it also produces sauces, dressings and can handle proteins.

With its consistent recruitment of young graduates, enthusiastic uptake of social media and willingness to share news via proactive communications firm Shooting Star PR, Freshtime stands out as a modern fresh produce company.

Newton, who joined the firm this time last year, brings bags of experience in the salads category as former chief executive of salad brand Florette. He explains: “We will continue to invest in our production facilities and our people in order to sustain this growth.”