rld Group, one of the largest expert growers and suppliers of high quality fresh vegetables in Europe, has acquired TIO, a company based in Forres, Morayshire in Scotland, which supplies organic root vegetables into retail and food service sectors.“The acquisition of TIO is a natural fit for Produce World, which is already a leader in the UK organic vegetable market. We believe that this will provide greater security both for suppliers and customers,” says Neil Fraser, executive chairman of Produce World Group. “It will allow us to secure the future of valuable organic land and the expertise of the Scottish organic growers who supply TIO. We will be able to secure the largest possible geographic footprint of our organic supply base and therefore the longest possible domestic growing season.”
William Rose, owner of TIO, says: “Produce World has been a pioneer in organic vegetables for many years and has invested considerable resources into developing both its agronomy and a better understanding of consumers through its customer insight work. Becoming part of the Produce World Group will provide even greater opportunities for organic carrots from Scotland. I am looking forward to working with the Produce World team over the years to come.”
The acquisition is part of the Produce World Group’s ongoing plan to develop and grow a sustainable fresh produce business which will best serve the needs of its customers, suppliers, employees and shareholders.
Produce World Group is a privately owned business, founded by the Burgess family in 1898, and the family ethos and values remain in place. The Produce World Group business is customer and category focused and it is an industry leader in sustainable and responsible agronomy, growing and lean supply chain management.
Its sourcing is a combination of produce from its own farming division – Burgess Farms, joint-ventures, and collaborative working with dedicated grower groups, supplying a variety of root vegetables, potatoes, brassicas, alliums, and organic produce to leading retailers, food service and manufacturing customers.
