GT Produce looks south to taste the fruits of success

GT Produce, part of Gilbert Thompson (Leeds), secured its supply chain by snapping up RS Fruits, which is based in Canterbury.

Andrew Colburn, managing director of GT Produce, said: “This is a very important development for us as a business.

“We are excited about the prospect of expanding our base of British growers and helping them to market their produce nation-wide.

“Locally sourced fruit that goes from field to end user in a matter of days is superior in both taste and quality and we are passionate supporters of the ‘eat local’ movement that is steadily gathering support from businesses and customers alike.”

Gilbert Thompson, is majority owned by brothers Richard and Daniel Thompson, who are both directors.

The business, which has been a fresh produce importer and wholesaler for more than 60 years, turns over about £19m and is split between the fresh produce arm and GT Flowers.

Richard Thompson said they had been a customer of RS Fruits for eight years and the deal secured their supply of English apples and other produce, such as plums, cherries and pears. Demand for its products is stable, he added.

“We are on a par with last year. I would not say the economy is picking up but it has not got any worse over the last year.

“We have yet to see the impact of the Government cuts in full.”

The firm is not on the acquisition trail but it would consider other opportunities to buy, he added.

GT Produce was advised by Leeds-based law firm Shulmans. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

Andrew Bradley, partner and head of corporate finance at Shulmans, said: “We’ve worked with GT Produce for many years and we’re delighted to have helped them achieve a strategic milestone for their business with a deal which establishes a permanent presence in the south of England.”