Major UK potato producer bolsters its offering with acquisition
UK potato supply chain specialist, AKP Group, has completed the acquisition of York-based Wolds Produce.
Established in 1999 by Richard Arundel and Bruce Kerr, North Lincolnshire-based AKP Group is a potato grower and supply chain firm.
Wolds Produce was set up as a potato trading business in 2004, offering crops from the Yorkshire Wolds region to packers.
The company has since grown to become a major potato supplier in the crisping, chipping and potato seed industries, and currently trades over 50,000 tonnes of potatoes in the UK and abroad.
Richard Arundel, managing director of AKP Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Wolds Produce into the AKP Group.
“By combining our respective services and scaling up our operation across storage, washing, grading and distribution, we can help our growers and partners to minimise risk, reduce their costs and make it happen for UK farming.”
“At AKP Group, we take pride in being flexible and responding to the changing needs of the industry.
“This acquisition represents a strategic step towards realising our vision of becoming the go-to partner within the UK’s potato industry.
“We are excited that Wolds Produce shares this focus and we are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring to our network of growers and customers.”
Wolds Produce is also one of the largest independent seed producers in the UK, supplying seeds to businesses across the country, and supplying potatoes into many of the UK’s well known crisp manufacturers.
Tim Foggin, managing director at Wolds Produce, added: “AKP Group is one of the largest potato growers in the country and so naturally, it boasts a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals who will only enhance our operation further.
“The culture and forward-thinking nature of AKP Group aligns with our own values, and we look forward to merging our expertise and consolidating our respective strengths.”
Wolds Produce will continue to operate independently under AKP Group, and all employees will retain their current roles.
Clarion advised the shareholders of Wolds Produce on the deal.
