US – Nationwide Produce PLC has secured the 22nd spot in the esteemed FPJ Big 50 rankings, marking a significant climb of five positions from the previous year.
FPJ’s industry bible reveals the biggest and most dynamic companies in UK fresh produce as a comprehensive guide to the sector’s business performance.
This achievement stands as a testament to Nationwide Produce’s commitment to growth, resilience, and strategic advancement within the industry.
Tim O’Malley, the Group Managing Director of Nationwide Produce PLC, expressed gratitude for this advancement: “Our team’s relentless dedication and the invaluable support from our customers and suppliers have led to this milestone. It’s an honor to be among the industry’s top companies, and we’re immensely proud of this recognition.”
The rise in rankings highlights the company’s continuous upward trajectory, showcasing a remarkable GBP 33 million (USD 42.02) surge in turnover, reaching an impressive GBP 176.7 million (USD 225 million) by June 2nd, 2023.
O’Malley acknowledged the challenges faced during this period, citing unprecedented factors such as exceptional weather, supply chain constraints, and notably high prices across various product lines.
Yet, despite these challenges, Nationwide Produce witnessed a surge in sales volumes, expanded its team of traders, and diversified its customer portfolio.
The heightened prices further bolstered turnover, setting a company record that underscores its resilience and adaptability in navigating complex market conditions.
Strategic investments remain a focal point for Nationwide Produce, evidenced by a GBP 3.5 million (USD 4.46 million) extension at the Evesham depot, ongoing investments in a new transport fleet, and plans for doubling office space.
Additionally, transformative upgrades are underway at the AGP onion-packing site in Lincolnshire, encompassing packhouse extensions, new vehicle fleets, and the integration of cutting-edge machinery and robotics.
The company’s commitment to expansion includes the recent addition of a retail arm at the Vitaal Evesham warehouse.
This strategic transformation of the original warehouse into a new packing facility signifies a substantial investment in machinery, staff, and systems.
The move allows Nationwide Produce to offer pre-packed produce directly from Evesham to a widened customer base across retail, food service, and meal-box segments while maintaining superior standards of quality and freshness.
Innovation remains a driving force, exemplified by the collaboration with partners Albert Bartlett and renowned TV chef James Martin to introduce a premium frozen potato products range tailored for chefs.
This entry into a new market segment underscores Nationwide Produce’s proactive approach to meeting evolving consumer demands and expanding product offerings.
Looking forward, Nationwide Produce PLC remains focused on sustained growth, innovation, and investment. O’Malley reiterated their commitment to expansion and diversification, reaffirming their stance as an industry leader dedicated to catering to diverse market needs.
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