Soft-fruit marketer The Summerfruit Company has joined forces with US producer Sunnyridge Farm to co-ordinate procurement of berries to the UK from North and South America.
The companies hope the venture will be an opportunity to add value throughout the supply chain. As such, The Summerfuit Company will not only source soft fruit from Sunnyridge Farm, but work together on everything from varietal development through to marketing.
Ian Waller, The Summerfruit Company sales director, said: “We have a long standing relationship with Sunnyridge and share the same unwavering commitment to putting the customer first. “Aligning ourselves more closely with our growers is the best way to ensure customers get what they want, when they want it. With our expertise in research and development and Sunnyridge’s excellent position in the Americas market, we can look forward to a prosperous partnership.”
Richard Parke-Davies, managing director of The Summerfruit Company’s parent Redbridge Worldfresh, added: “This strategic step complements our continuing move towards greater vertical alignment. Our combined proposition further enhances the value chain, providing customers with the quality and continuity now expected within the category.”
Carlos Ferrer, Director of Sunnyridge Farm agreed the move would be mutually beneficial. He said: “The deal allows The Summerfruit Company to serve the supermarkets with the volumes they need during the European off season. It also provides an exciting opportunity for Sunnyridge to diversify into new markets, as the vast majority of our sales are currently concentrated in the US.”
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