Leading fresh produce group Total Produce UK has announced that it has acquired the trade and assets of Utopia UK.
Utopia is a major importer and supplier of exotic fresh produce to the leading retailers in the UK as well as customers across Europe, procuring a broad range of some 60 niche exotic and tropical products from almost 40 countries worldwide.
In a statement, Total Produce UK said that the acquisition would be “a welcome addition to the existing product portfolio of Total Produce”.
The group said Utopia, which has sales worth £25m, was being renamed Total Exotics to “facilitate its full integration Total Produce UK”.
Total Produce said: “Total Exotics will continue to operate under the existing management team of Kevin Jameson and Nigel West and will benefit from the full support and strengths of one of Europe’s leading fresh produce companies with last reported annual sales in excess of €2.5 billion.”
The group said that the acquisition would provide an opportunity to further increase the Total Produce’s business into an expanding market, as well as complementing its existing business in exotics and tropical products.
Denis Punter, executive chairman of Total Produce UK said: “The Utopia business has experienced a difficult last 12 months but the core business is sound and they have an excellent team.
“The financial stability and support that Total Produce will bring to the business will create an environment that will enable it to flourish and make Total Exotics a leading player in this sector.”