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Arbroath firm Angus Soft Fruits has reported a turnaround in 2024, with pre-tax profits soaring to £2.43 million from £291,032 the previous year.

The company, known for its AVA strawberry variety, achieved this despite turnover dropping to £150 million from £161.6 million following the closure of an underperforming Dutch subsidiary.

Managing director John Gray said: “The berry sector is facing very challenging times.

“Returns have failed to keep up with increases in costs of production.

“Consequently, grower confidence is at an all-time low, with many in the sector questioning the future.”

However, he remains cautiously optimistic.  “In 2024, we finally saw signs that the market is listening.

“We haven’t turned the corner yet, but I believe we are coming round the bend.”

He attributes the success to “a lot of hard work from our fantastic team of berry specialists” who have managed to reduce costs while maintaining product quality.

The company is now exporting to Europe, the Middle East and Singapore, while growing berries across the UK, Morocco, Portugal and Spain.

Looking ahead, the company plans to quadruple production of its premium AVA Monet raspberry variety in 2025, potentially revitalising Scotland’s declining raspberry sector.

“We are very optimistic for the future,” he said.

“We have excellent, dedicated growers, an exciting portfolio of varieties, very strong customer relationships and the best team in the industry to make it all happen.”

The company has also enhanced its environmental commitments, becoming the first UK berry supplier to eliminate plastic base pads from punnets.

This alone will remove 42 million bubble pads from domestic strawberry packaging.

“We are custodians of our environment,” he said.  “We farm for the next generation.

“From an environmental perspective, we are set challenging targets by our retail customers.”

The appointment of a full-time sustainability manager underscores their commitment to reducing plastic use, decreasing emissions and increasing biodiversity while maintaining their position as a major supplier to retailers, including M&S, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Aldi and Costco.

Despite the current challenges, the combination of increased yields, cost-reduction measures and environmental initiatives suggests a positive outlook for this leading Scottish berry producer.

This article appeared in The Courier on 30 December 2024.