The Greenery UK Acquires John Baarda
The Greenery UK, one of the leading suppliers of fruit, vegetables and mushrooms to supermarkets and wholesalers across Britain, has acquired John Baarda, the second largest tomato producer in the UK. The move follows several years of poor financial performance and operational challenges at John Baarda. The Greenery UK is part of The Netherlands-based business The Greenery BV, which is a subsidiary of the grower owned co-operative Corforta.
“The UK supply of tomatoes is obviously what is important to British consumers, our retail partners, and consequently our business,” says Kevin Doran, managing director of Greenery UK. “AcrossEuropewe are involved in ‘local for local’ partnerships with domestic producers. This is consistent with that posture, so with the support of producer partners we elected to step in with the required financing.”
A new managing director and board have been named for David Baarda. Nigel Bartle, currently general manager of Cornerways Nursery in Wissington, has been named equity partner and managing director by Greenery UK effective from 1 March 2012. Nigel Bartle has been successfully managing British Sugar’s horticultural business, Cornerways Nursery, since 2001 and is currently the chairman of the British Tomato Growers Association.
