The fresh produce industry in London and around the country has been given a refreshing boost, with the Premier Fruits family of companies extending its reach with exciting new acquisitions and start-ups.
Premier Fruits are by no means a new company, but in recent years their profile has risen sharply. New ventures in Covent Garden, Bristol, and right across the South Coast have added both strength and versatility to the group. From wholesale to catering and imports to home delivery, the Premier family is making its mark across the industry.
In addition to the well-established Covent Garden wholesale and UK-wide import and distribution businesses, the group now boasts Premier Direct Marketing, which supplies a wide range of fresh and prepared produce to the major retailers, C-store symbol groups and catering establishments. Cream of the Crop and Chef’s Connection delivers both the freshest high quality produce and exceptional service to the catering industry, hotels and restaurants across London and the South. Premier Catering works with chefs to prep, pack and supply restaurant quality, ready-to-use produce.
In the South West there are further wholesale and retail interests, which complete the current portfolio.
The experience and know-how that Premier Fruits has gained within these companies has made for a more straightforward transition into other parts of the retail sector with their latest ventures. Jason Tanner, the Managing Director, explains, “We’ve been fortunate in that things have gone well for us to date. We felt it was the right move to develop our retail business. It’s hard work, but we are thoroughly enjoying the experience.” These recent ventures include a large stall in Selfridges on Oxford Street, a new farm and farm shop site in Surrey and even a London-based home delivery service.
The Premier story is one of continuing success against the backdrop of tough economic times and the group is anxious to share its rewards and experience. In South London the local community has benefited from free wall planners, offering advice and information on seasonal, healthy meal ingredients, and from donations to community projects such as the Covent Garden Sprouts project (working with local schools to promote healthy eating and an understanding of the role of wholesale markets in the food supply chain) and Variety Club Sunshine coaches.
The group’s achievements have not gone unnoticed – Premier Fruits has scooped the industry’s Re:Fresh Wholesaler of the Year award two years running. There might be further accolades to follow.
For more information please visit: www.premierfruits.com
