Driscoll’s has completed the acquisition of Berry Gardens Limited (BGL), the sales, packaging and distribution entity of Berry Gardens Growers Limited (BGG).
Driscoll’s has fresh berries grown in more than 21 countries and sold in more than 60. Berry Gardens Limited is a UK supplier of berries and it has grown, distributed and marketed Driscoll’s varieties on an exclusive basis in the UK for more than 20 years.
The intent to acquire was announced in June this year, with both parties agreeing that the 2022 British growing season should not be interrupted.
“This acquisition supports our vision to ‘become the world’s berry company, enriching the lives of everyone we touch, given the UK is Europe’s second largest fresh berry market. We believe there is strong growth potential in the UK,” says Russell Allwell, managing director, Driscoll’s Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Berry Gardens’ value chain has a world-class infrastructure, strong historic ties to Driscoll’s and industry-leading operations expertise. We will invest heavily in the UK, attracting new consumers, creating new occasions and ensuring a long and successful local season in 2023 and beyond.”
The integration of the two companies began Tuesday November 1st.
“Our customers will benefit from investments, innovations and category growth and British consumers will get high-quality berries 52 weeks per year,” says Nick Allen, general manager, Berry Gardens Limited. “Berry Gardens Growers continue to have access to world-class varieties and Driscoll’s secures access to both a market with room for growth and some of the best berries grown anywhere in the world.”
The integration began Tuesday 1st November with both a ‘business-as-usual’ and ‘best-of-both-worlds’ attitude. “No changes will be made in the UK unless essential to align the two businesses and we’ll seek to benefit from each other’s strengths,” says Allen, who stays as the general manager of Berry Gardens and joins the Driscoll’s EMEA Management Team.
“We’re a fifth-generation family business and the world’s biggest berry company so we have some experience,” says Allwell. “Our heritage is one of pioneering innovation and consistent growth in every country we operate in. We’d love to do the same here.”
Relationships with the growers, who belong to Berry Gardens Growers Ltd, remain strong as they see the huge value and opportunities that Driscoll’s can bring in terms of volume growth.
For more information:
Nick Woods
Driscoll's
07723 021894
nick@sunnysideupcomms.co.uk
www.driscolls.com