Wolds Produce Joins the AKP Group
AKP Group, one of the UK’s leading vertically integrated potato supply chain specialists based in North Lincolnshire, has completed the acquisition of Wolds Produce, based in York.
“By combining the expertise, resources, and experience of the AKP Group and Wolds Produce, the companies can achieve economies of scale. The complementary partnership will drive innovation and build a stronger, more resilient supply chain, ultimately contributing to the growth of the UK potato industry,” according to a recent press release.
This is getting more and more significant because fewer people are growing potatoes these days due to rising production costs and shifting weather patterns, which both put growers at greater risk.
The smooth integration of the combined operations will guarantee growers and partners receive continuous support from Wolds Produce and AKP Group in all areas, including variety and seed selection, new contracting opportunities, and the use of first-rate grading and storage facilities.
Built on a solid foundation of relationships, AKP Group has amassed a wealth of marketing knowledge and fostered partnerships with leading retailers, processors, and food manufacturing experts in the UK, guaranteeing that the right potatoes are supplied to the right market at the right cost.
“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 minimize 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 realizing 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,” Richard Arundel, Managing Director of AKP Group, mentioned.
Moreover, Wolds Produce is one of the biggest independent seed producers in the UK, providing top-notch seed to companies all across the nation and potatoes to a number of the nation’s well-known crisp manufacturers.
“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 values, and we look forward to merging our expertise and consolidating our respective strengths,” Tim Foggin, Managing Director at Wolds Produce, added.
Wolds Produce will continue to operate independently under AKP Group, and all employees will retain their current roles.
Established in 1999 by Richard Arundel and Bruce Kerr, Arundel Kerr Produce Ltd (AKP Group) is a potato grower and supply chain specialist, with people and partnerships at the core of its operations. The primary objective of AKP Group is to collaborate closely with its network of growers and partners to deliver the very best quality potatoes to its customers across the retail, processing, and food service sectors in the UK and overseas, whilst improving profitability, raising standards and maintaining a highly efficient supply chain.
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 chipping, French fries, and potato seed industries, and currently trades over 50,000 tonnes of potatoes in the UK and abroad.