Food importer MWW looks for growth through new papaya

A BIRMINGHAM food company is looking aiming for growth after securing a deal to become the sole UK importer of a new variety of papaya.

Minor, Weir and Willis (MWW), based in Perry Barr, said its plan for the Aurora-Papaya –  dubbed ‘The Queen of Papayas’ in its home market, Israel – was to introduce the fruit to supermarket shelves over the coming months and then eventually nationwide as production expands.

Sant Mehta, chairman of MWW, said: “This collaboration is part of our strategy to develop partnerships world-wide, sourcing innovative, new products to bring to the UK market.

“Similar projects we’ve carried out recently include introducing Mexican Lychees, Sweet Green Figs from Israel and the exclusive, French Figues de Sollies.”

Chris Abram, Commercial Manager, added that the fruit had been developed for taste and ease of preparation. Shelf-life is good and he said the fruit was likely to be popular as it was easier to prepare than conventional papaya.

MWW, named by the Daily Telegraph as one of the 1,000 companies to lead the UK out of recession, is a major UK produce company with a presence in all European markets, and Group Companies in Holland, Spain and Germany.

The group has an annual turnover of £240m, and is well-known for specialist produce. It also farms more than 2,200 acres in the UK every year.