A UK-headquartered fruit distributor reported an uptick in turnover and pre-tax profits, despite highlighting challenges such as rising Employers' National Insurance costs. Worldwide Fruit, established in 2000 and headquartered in Spalding, sources its products globally, including from the UK, New Zealand, South America, South Africa, the U.S., and Europe. The company also operates a base in Whitstable, Kent.
For the fiscal year ending 28 December 2024, the company reported a turnover of £172.6 million, an increase from £157.5 million in the previous year. During the same period, pre-tax profits rose from £2.3 million to £2.8 million. The workforce saw a slight reduction, with 406 employees at year-end, compared to 422 the previous year.
A strategic report highlighted the company's focus on leveraging the groundwork laid in 2023, noting a "relentless focus on delivering maximum availability to our customers" amid ongoing market challenges. In its statement, the company remarked, "We continue to operate in a challenging and competitive environment, which this year has been added to by the increase in Employers' National Insurance costs. Our people will work hard to mitigate these costs by improving performance across all areas of the business."
Source: Insider Media