Kent-based fruit supplier has acquired Canterbury-based Newmafruit from the Newman family, in a move which it says ‘further strengthens Bardsley England’s position in the top fruit industry as one of the leading growers in the UK and opens up opportunities to ensure strategic alliances with customers through their JV with Greenyard.’
The combined operation becomes one of the biggest top fruit producers in the UK, with some 23,000 tonnes of fruit being grown across a total of 2,100 acres.
Ben Bardsley, MD of Bardsley England, commented, “‘Newmafruit is an excellent addition to the Bardsley England group. We recognised a well organised business with a robust structure in place, full of great people and an ethos akin to our own.”
Melvyn Newman, Chairman of Newmafruit, which began as a wholesaler in London before moving into fruit growing in the 1970s, added, “We are delighted to be handing over the reins of our family business and putting it in the very capable hands of another family business who not only recognise the true art of running a top fruit enterprise but also have a solid vision for the future of the industry and realise the need to invest in both people and technological advances.”
Photo Caption: Newmafruit chairman Melvyn Newman
Photo source: Newmafruit