According to reports, Scottish-based Bartlett International Holdings, which owns Albert Bartlett, saw its pre-tax profits for the year ending 31 May 2016 fall by a third to £5.513 million, down from £8.198 million the year before. However, turnover increased 3% in the same period.

In his director’s report, Mr Bartlett blamed the drop in profits on “competitive pricing pressure” and start up costs in relation to the launch of the company’s new frozen business. “Whilst the trading environment presents challenges, the group continues to develop and promote the Albert Bartlett brand and remains fully committed to the development and success of our exclusive premium varieties and our own label offering,” he said.

Elsewhere, Lincolnshire-based Manor Fresh, which supplies potatoes and other produce to M&S showed a slight increase in pre-tax profits for the year to 30 April 2016, up from £1.4 million to £1.6 million. Turnover during the period also increased, rising from £57.1 million to £60.3 million. The firm also reported that the sale of green vegetables was “particularly strong.”

Photo Caption: Potato grading at Manor Fresh.

Photo Credit: Manor Fresh.

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