More fresh produce firms improved significantly or remained unchanged than declined in the last 12 months.

In spite of an economic downturn that threatened to turn into a recession, the industry as whole moved forward over the last year, according to financial analysts Plimsoll Publishing.

Some 375 companies showed a significant increase in performance, with 123 reporting much similar results to last year.

But it was not all good news for industry bosses as 419 firms declined over the same 12-month period.

Of those, not all are in serious trouble, but a few have had two consecutive bad years which indicate 'competitive markets or poor management,' according to Plimsoll.

But it may surprise some in the industry that in general, the figures show a remarkably strong performance.

Plimsoll senior analyst David Pattinson accepted that the good news might have come as something of a shock to fresh produce bosses.

He said: 'Most might see this as amazing. The irony here is how so many in the industry can be seen as smiling when there is so much poor economic and business news about. I believe that management are in control in these companies.' The full 1,154-page comprehensive publication is available for £305 on 01642 626400. Readers of the Fresh Produce Journal will receive five per cent discount if they mention this article. l

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