Throughout the year various fund raising events have been held....

SUMMERFRUIT AND SUNNYRIDGE JOIN FORCES

The Summerfruit Company, the soft fruit arm of Redbridge Worldfresh, one of the UK's leading fresh produce suppliers, has signed a joint venture with the American grower Sunnyridge Farm to bring UK customers the best in soft fruit from North and South America.

Sunnyridge Farm will supply a full range of berries to The Summerfruit Company in an alliance that will see the two companies sharing expertise and experience to add value throughout the supply chain, right from the field to the plate. This means that The Summerfuit Company will not only source soft fruit from Sunnyridge Farm, but will take a truly vertical approach to the supply chain, working with the grower 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 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."

"The deal allows The Summerfruit Company to serve the supermarkets with the volumes they need during the European off season," says Carlos Ferrer, Director of Sunnyridge Farm, who welcomed the new association with Redbridge stating, "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 U.S."

The soft fruit category continues its fast paced growth with year on year growth at 20 per cent across blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackcurrants.