Member Article

Morrisons set to launch Boston banana ripening site

Bradford-headquartered Morrisons is to acquire its first banana ripening site in Boston, Lincolnshire, bringing 80 new jobs to the area.

Bananas are one of the top-selling items at supermarkets in the UK and the move to acquire the facility from Del Monte will give Morrisons a direct, secure supply, achieve a cost saving and the ability to improve the consistency of the quality of its bananas in store.

The acquisition is a joint venture with exotic fruits expert Global Pacific, a well established trading partner of Morrisons.

The 58,000 square foot factory is nine years old and was operated by Del Monte until November 2011, when it ceased operation.

The opening of the site in Boston will create up to 80 new jobs in the area, with Global Pacific running the site on behalf of Morrisons.

Dalton Philips, chief executive of Morrisons, said: “Bananas are the most popular fruit in the UK so it makes sense for Morrisons to apply its unique approach to food production to simplify the supply chain, cut out costs and improve quality.

“Adding this ripening factory to our business means we will be able to mature bananas more precisely to our customers different needs.”

Chris Kilvington, CEO of Global Pacific, said: “We are delighted to be entering into this exciting partnership with Morrisons, and look forward to the opportunity to set up and run the site on their behalf.”

The acquisition of the banana facility is the sixth addition to Morrisons’ manufacturing business since 2010, following on from meat factories in Deeside and Winsford, a produce site in Worsley, FlowerWorld in Derby and the Grimsby fish factory.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Lane .