KG Growers Ltd (KGG) members’ turnover remained at a high of £100 million throughout the challenging 2008 season, it was revealed this week.

The berry growers’ co-operative held its 37th annual general meeting for members in Dunkeld, Perthshire, where it looked at the figures for sales of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, cherries and plums.

KGG chairman Marion Regan said: “Despite challenging weather and trading conditions in 2008, KGG’s growers maintained high standards of service and supply of all berry types. Alongside this, we worked with our partners Driscoll’s and Alconeras to refine our business model for Berry Gardens. The changes that we have made took effect in early 2009 and allow us to re-focus all of our effort in the UK through our 100 per cent ownership of our UK marketing operation, Berry Gardens Ltd.

“Growers’ success and profitability remains the absolute key to the success of our business, as does the focus of our team at Berry Gardens Ltd in ensuring the best possible result for grower and customer.

“As we go into 2009, KGG is in a robust financial position. It is also pleasing to see growers reinvesting in crops and infrastructure, and early indications are for a stronger and more customer-focused offer from UK growers this season. Our customers continue to recognise the merits and benefits to consumers of Driscoll varieties, as well as the professionalism of our growers.

“That is why I am particularly pleased to be in Scotland, which has many innovative KGG members, including Murray and Ross Mitchell of Laurencekirk, this year’s Soft Fruit Grower of the Year. Scottish members have been a vital force in KG Growers for over 20 years, with 15 growers now producing over 25 per cent of our fruit.”

Following the AGM, more than 20 members visited two KGG members’ farms; Andy Barrie’s Colbeggie Farm and Geoff Bruce’s Balmyle, where they viewed production of Elsanta, Camarillo and Jubilee.

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