Greenhouse growers who were producing crops for failed Aldi supplier UK Salads are still uncertain of whether their produce will find a home, according to a report in The Grocer.
FRP were appointed as administrators for Harlow-based UK Salads on 28 February, but ‘several growers’ have told the magazine that they have not heard from UK Salads management or Aldi since that time, with two claiming they have not spoken to FRP either.
On grower commented, “I’ve got all my crop planted for UK Salads and now I’m still searching for somewhere for my plants to go. I’m in a deep hole at the moment [and] trying to climb out of it.” He added that he was trying to speak to supermarkets directly about taking his crop, but this was proving difficult as most produce is already contracted for this season.
The same source also criticised UK Salads’ behaviour last year, claiming it did not purchase as much product as it had promised and that it has also ‘fired “a lot of staff”’ meaning its relationships with customers were compromised. He also criticised a European buyer who he accused of profiteering after they offered to buy his crop for half of the price previously agreed with UK Salads.
According to The Grocer, Aldi is ‘continuing to work with supply partners to resolve the issue’ while FRP did not respond to the magazine.