Nationwide Produce PLC Ranks 22nd in FPJ Big 50
We are thrilled to announce that Nationwide Produce PLC has secured the 22nd position in the prestigious FPJ Big 50 rankings, having raised five positions from last year. This recognition signifies a remarkable achievement in our journey, highlighting our commitment to growth, resilience, and strategic expansion in the industry.
Tim O’Malley, Group Managing Director of Nationwide Produce PLC, expressed his gratitude for our progress in the rankings: “This accomplishment is a testament to the relentless dedication of our team and the unwavering support from our valued customers and suppliers. It’s truly an honour to be positioned among the top companies in the industry-wide listing, and we are immensely proud of this achievement.”
The rise in our ranking, ascending five positions from the previous year, emphasises our continued upward trajectory. The year ending 2nd June 2023 witnessed a remarkable £33 million surge in turnover for Nationwide Produce, reaching a notable £176.7 million. Tim O’Malley reflected on the challenges faced during this period, noting, “In my 40 years in the trade, I have never witnessed such a combination of factors—exceptional weather, short supply chains, and notably high prices across a broad spectrum of products.”
Despite these challenges, our sales volumes soared as we grew our team of traders and broadened our customer portfolio. The heightened prices further contributed to inflating turnover, culminating in a company record that speaks volumes about our resilience and adaptability in navigating complex market conditions.
At Nationwide Produce, we remain committed to strategic investments to bolster our infrastructure and expand our operational capabilities. Significant developments include the completion of a £3.5 million extension at our Evesham depot, complemented by ongoing investments in a new transport fleet and a planned doubling of office space. Moreover, our AGP onion-packing site in Lincolnshire is undergoing transformative upgrades, including packhouse extensions, new vehicle fleets, and the integration of new machinery and robotics.
Our commitment to expansion extends to diversifying our service offerings. In line with this vision, we recently added a new retail arm strategically situated at our Vitaal Evesham warehouse. The transformation of our original smaller warehouse into a new packing facility marks a considerable investment in machinery, staff, and systems. This strategic move allows us to broaden our range, offering pre-packed produce directly from Evesham to an expanded customer base, including retail, food-service, and meal-box customers. This enhancement aligns with our mission to cater to diverse consumer needs while maintaining our hallmark standards of quality and freshness across all segments of the market.
Innovation remains at the core of our endeavours. Collaborating with esteemed partners Albert Bartlett and renowned TV chef James Martin, we proudly launched a new premium frozen potato products range tailored for chefs, marking our entry into an exciting new market segment. This diversification highlights our proactive approach to expanding our product offerings and meeting evolving consumer demands.
Looking ahead, Nationwide Produce PLC is poised for continued growth and diversification. Tim O’Malley reaffirms our confidence in the future: “We remain steadfast in our commitment to expansion, innovation, and investment. As we navigate dynamic market landscapes, our focus remains on diversifying our offerings and fortifying our position as a leader in the industry.”
