Anthony Clark from Mansfields puts this success down to the continued forward thinking of founder Buddy Mansfield and son Paul. "They have been extremely good at investing back into the business and are very hands on. The company has the best facilities and cutting edge technology which enables us to produce top quality fruit and provide great service."
Cherry growing has traditionally been done under nets for protection from birds, now Mansfields has gone a step further with all the trees now under high tunnels which protect them from rain, hail and frost. "This provides complete protection from adverse weather. We have a fully integrated system for irrigation and nutrition, and we are currently trialling software to monitor climatic conditions so that the whole system is automatic."
Mansfields were one of the first in the UK to use a hydrocooler for cherries, to draw out field heat at the source to maintain maximum flavour, this was traditionally used for root vegetables.
Clark is expecting one of the biggest ever cherry harvests for Mansfields this year, 700 tons or more.
Mansfields supplies the major supermarkets and provides a large varietal selection to extend the season as long as possible. Various packing is provided according to the customer's needs. The varieties grown are driven by demand and the company is always working with breeders on new varieties.
Outside the UK stonefruit season Mansfields work with third parties as a packer and distributor to supply the market 52 weeks of the year.
"As the largest cherry provider we need to stay at the forefront of expertise and quality," concludes Clark.
For more information:
Anthony Clark
F.W. Mansfield & Son
Tel: 0044 1227 731441
Mob: 0044 7500 863790
Email: clarka@mansfields.net
www.mansfields.net