NL Driscolls berries

Beneficial growing conditions and good-quality, more durable fruit has helped Berry Gardens grow its pre-tax profit by nearly £1 million.

That increase comes on the back of a record turnover figure for the berry and cherry giant - up from £206.9m to £236.8m in the year ending 31 December 2014, and dwarfing the previous record turnover of £210.3m posted in 2011.

Pre-tax profit increased from around £3.2m to £4.1m.

Nick Marston, speaking in the report attached to the accounts, which were posted at Companies House, said: 'The 2014 financial performance reflects positively on the company's core strategy to be the leading all-year round supplier of berries and cherries to its key customers.

'The 2014 climatic conditions in the UK were generally more favourable than in the previous two years. This, when combined with on-farm investments made by our parent company's members to encourage both early and more intensive production, led to an earlier start to the UK season than in 2012 and 2013.

'Consumer demand for UK-produced berries and cherries remains strong with good underlying growth. Added to this, in 2014 UK fruit was available for longer, in greater quantities, and the quality of produce provided to the consumer.'

The profit the company has retained has been added to Berry Gardens' reserves, taking net assets to £8.8m from £5.7m.