Dole Fresh UK has reported an increase in profits despite the background of a difficult and changing marketplace.
Pre-tax profits at the Dartford-based fresh produce supplier rose from £729,000 in 2009 to £1.2 million in the year to 31 December 2010, according to accounts filed at Companies House this week.
Turnover increased from £122.2m in 2009 to £128.3m last year. The business also benefited from the sale of its Bridgwater site last year, which it closed in 2008, and net assets at the end of the year stood at £17m, up from £15.1m the year before.
Dole Fresh UK’s directors declared themselves pleased with the result, which it achieved in spite of challenges from “supply issues caused by climatic weather conditions and the ongoing integration of the business of Compagnie Fruitière (UK) Ltd”.
In the directors’ report, the company said: “As a consequence [of an independent review of the business] internal organisational changes were made in the later part of the year.
“The directors are confident that these changes will better position that company to deal with the challenges facing the industry.”
They added: “Management are adapting the traditional business model to take advantage of the further penetration of the direct sourcing model by the major UK retailers. This complements the traditional model and allows the company to make full use of its long established skills as a banana ripener and fruit distributor.”
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