Puratos UK strengthens its foothold into locally-sourced fruit fillings with the acquisition of one of the country’s major fruit growers and processors. Fourayes’ range of fruit fillings, industrial jams and mincemeat is manufactured at its 100-acre orchard in Kent. It will add to the portfolio of local fillings capabilities Puratos has in Simonswood.
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. Its location in Kent makes it easy to branch out to the European market, with potential opportunities to bring the Fourayes range to the wider Puratos Group. Phil Acock, Managing Director at Fourayes and third-generation owner, will remain in a non-executive role at the company but will pass over ownership to Puratos on completion of the acquisition.
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.”
Fourayes’ MD, who is also Vice Chairman of the industry association British Apples and Pears, also commented on the news: “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.”
Taste Tomorrow
Puratos’s own Taste Tomorrow research recently revealed that over a third of UK consumers now look for the inclusion of ‘power ingredients’, such as fruit, in their food and almost half (44%) wish to buy products that contain locally sourced ingredients. The research also found that 66% believe food made with local ingredients is better for the environment. Our local and transparent fruit sourcing program is the perfect answer to these needs creating value across the full value chain, from farmers to consumers.
From strawberry farmers in Mexico, durian farmers in Indonesia to blueberry growers in Canada, Puratos says it works directly with fruit farmers worldwide, sharing insights to ensure that the fruits that are used in Puratos products are grown sustainably and sourced with full transparency.
Photo: AdobeStock 317416253
