Spalding-based fruit supplier J.O. Sims has opened a new innovation centre, which it says ‘will enable us to build on our current food culture and provide a place to test our ingredients & create products to inspire our customers, ultimately helping us to win new business and open up new markets.
J.O. Sims was founded by Josiah Oliver Sims in 1896 and is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of fresh fruit, fruit ingredients and healthy snacks, farming over 1,000 acres of cherry and apple orchards worldwide. It is also the UK’s largest supplier of cranberries and wild blueberries.
J.O. Sims MD, Christopher Sims, commented, “This newly invested facility in the UK is focused on driving food excellence and education for the benefit of the whole of our business & our customers. This exciting facility is at the heart of our business & will drive new market & business opportunities across all our product divisions – fresh, snacks & ingredients.”
As well as the new facility, the company has also recruited a new Product Development Manager in the shape of experienced Development Chef & Food Consultant Lawrence Brackstone.
Marketing & Innovation Manager, Emma Raper added, “Lawrence will head up the new J.O. Sims Innovation Centre and provide the ‘food heart’ of our business. He brings with him to J.O. Sims a wealth of culinary and food business expertise! We are thrilled to have him in our team.”