Puratos UK acquires fruit grower Fourayes
Puratos said the acquisition fits in with its strategy for responsible, transparent and local sourcing. The company said it aims to embed sustainability through the entire value chain, from sourcing of raw materials to usage of products by customers and consumers.
Fourayes’ produces a range of fruit fillings, industrial jams and mincemeat, which are all manufactured at its 100-acre orchard in Kent, which according to Puratos will “complement and enhance” its existing local fillings capabilities in Simonswood, further expanding the offer of locally-produced ingredients.
European expansion
Fourayes location in Kent makes it ideally placed for branching out to the European market, added Puratos.
Julia Darvill, managing director at Puratos UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Fourayes into the Puratos family and are excited to continue its proud legacy; supporting British farming, providing farm-to-fork transparency, and demonstrating exemplary ESG practices. Our relationship with Fourayes first took root back in February, when we partnered up to launch a unique range of real fruit and vegetable pieces, and in the succeeding months our connection has grown even deeper.
“We found Fourayes to be an ideal fit for Puratos, both being family-run, customer-focused, heritage-rich businesses with innovation, people and traceability at their core. We are committed to upholding and building on Fourayes’ reputation as a first-class farm and factory and look forward to a fruitful future.
Adding value
The Fourayes farm and factory are surrounded by English Bramley apple orchards, with fellow prestigious Red Tractor suppliers of British-grown fruits in close proximity.
Phil Acock, managing director at Fourayes will remain in a non-executive role at the company but will pass over ownership to Puratos on completion of the acquisition.
Acock, who is also vice chairman of industry association British Apples and Pears, said: “As businesses, Fourayes and Puratos are aligned in their goals and they’re both resolute in their dedication to adding value for customers and innovating for good. We wholly believe that together, we are stronger, and the bringing together of these two ingredient powerhouses has untold potential.
"I am confident that the synergies between Puratos and Fourayes will unlock further growth and value for our customers and help them to cater to the call for healthy options, transparency, and integrity from increasingly conscientious consumers.”
