Total Produce has retained its crown as Britain’s largest fresh produce company in the FPJ Big 50 2017.
The annual analysis, which is released this week, shows Total Produce’s UK revenue of £453m narrowly edging out Poupart (£439.6m) for top spot. Both businesses have substantially increased their turnover this year, up from £401m and £389.3m respectively.
The rest of the top five is made up of G’s Group (£401.4m), Muñoz Group (£375.9m) and Fresca (£324.6m) – with the latter’s income rising to £434.1m once share of joint ventures is taken into account.
As turnovers increase, the bar of entry has been raised for this year’s FPJ Big 50, with £56.7m being the mark needed to secure 50th spot. That went to Del Monte (UK), which returned to the list after having dropped out last year.
There were some impressive performances over the year, with Fresh Direct – under new ownership – jumping eight places into the top 10 and Nationwide Produce rising seven places to 28th on the back of a substantial hike in turnover.
There were also a number of new entries, including MyFresh –the newly formed merger of Parripak and Hazeldene –and A Pearson, which purchased Vitacress’s tomato business during the year.
FPJ editor Michael Barker said: “There have been so many fascinating stories over the past year, and this year’s FPJ Big 50 reflects the diversity, investment and imagination taking place across the industry. The effects of Brexit and currency devaluation is likely to have a significant impact on next year’s figures, but the leading businesses are showing all the signs of positioning themselves to success in spite of the many challenges the sector faces.”
FPJ subscribers will be receiving their copies of the FPJ Big 50 in the post from Friday 16 December. Non-subscribers can purchase a copy of the 52-page report for £25 by emailing lucy@fpj.co.uk.
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