Wealmoor landed the glittering top prize of the Fresh Direct Overall Produce Trader of the Year gong at last night’s Re:fresh Awards.
The company has had one clear mission statement since its inception in 1973, “to be the first name in exotic produce”.
That aim was challenged when a devastating blaze ripped the heart out of one of the company’s newly acquired packhouse, storage and office facilities in 2007 - without the commitment of its owners, supported by a loyal group of staff, understanding customers and a dedicated band of suppliers around the world, the blaze could easily have ripped the heart out of the entire company.
Wealmoor proved it was made of sterner stuff and in its efforts to restore itself to full health, stuck to a set of key strategic beliefs that had held it in good stead for 34 years previously.
And the company was hit by further devastation last month when influential chairman and founder, Rati Dhanani died.
But the firm continued to place the customer at the top of its priority list, recognising that the business could ill afford to lose sight of its key income drivers.
The last three years have highlighted the real benefits of having long-term relationships in place with growers worldwide, as well as an experienced and loyal management and supervisory team.
Wealmoor is unique in having an in-house clearance and bonded site, as well as its own airline handling and airport fleet. It has also been at the forefront of social responsibility programmes at source and has worked extensively to reduce air miles in its supply chain.
This combined effort has allowed the company to grow through tough times and Wealmoor now has a turnover of more than £120 million.
Under Rati’s continued leadership, the business has grown and evolved, embracing change and challenge.
Rati was a pioneer of export horticulture from Kenya in the 1960s. Having established a Kenyan business to grow potatoes and onions - which had previously only been available as imports in the country - he was granted an audience with president Jomo Kenyatta to discuss a vision for horticulture in the newly independent east African country.
With business partner Shambhubhai Patel, he established Kenya Horticultural Exporters and an airfreight market for beans and exotic vegetables in the UK, closely followed by his introduction and commercial development of mangoes, papayas and other exotic fruits.
Brought up in Kenya and India, Rati established a philosophy at the heart of the Wealmoor business of responsible trade and practical support to many positive projects.
The team dedicated the win to Rati’s memory, which was well received throughout the 550-strong audience.
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