Turnover at Lincolnshire-based Manor Fresh has surged beyond the £70m mark for its most recent financial year, newly filed documents have revealed, reaffirming its status as a key supplier of potatoes and other fresh vegetables to leading retailer Marks & Spencer.
Formed in 2006 through the merger of DGM Growers and GeestQV, Manor Fresh is part of Fresca Group Ltd – a privately-owned holding company with a significant footprint in the UK’s fresh produce sector.
According to the newly released figures, the company’s turnover soared to £75.9m for the year ending 27 April 2024, representing a notable increase from the £67.8m recorded the previous year. This jump was attributed to “positive sales growth with our primary customer in their physical stores and sales of their product through their online partnership model, together with inflationary costs”.
Despite this top-line success, pre-tax profits dipped from £692,267 to £572,429. In its strategic report, Manor Fresh emphasised the ongoing impact of inflationary pressures, which were acutely felt in the potato market. Challenging weather conditions, including late planting and inadequate light levels during pivotal growing periods, resulted in a poor harvest. Some crops were even left in the ground due to these unprecedented circumstances, compounding pressures on supply.
Further complicating matters, rising input costs weighed heavily on production. Both Manor Fresh’s own facilities and those of its production partners faced escalating expenses for labour, fertiliser, energy, and other essentials. The strategic report acknowledged these increases, stressing the company’s commitment to mitigating cost inflation without compromising on quality or service.
Looking ahead, Manor Fresh remains focused on bolstering its relationship with Marks & Spencer, capitalising on strong demand for fresh produce among British consumers. Despite recent challenges, the business continues to champion innovation in farming and packing processes, upholding its reputation for supplying top-quality vegetables.
By closely monitoring market trends and leveraging Fresca Group’s wider network, Manor Fresh aims to sustain its growth trajectory and strengthen its position as a leading supplier in the competitive fresh produce sector.
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