by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Fruit growing co-operative and marketing company Berry Gardens has celebrated its 40th anniversary with record sales of £200m.

The success means that growers, many in Kent, are set to benefit from an increased member rebate from a pool of more than £3m (up from £2m last year).

Chairman Paul Kelsey (pictured left) said: “This year Berry Gardens has much to celebrate.”

Group sales smashed through the £200m barrier for the first time since the co-operative was formed in 1972, rising 11% to a new high of £214m.

Berry Gardens, with Kent bases in Five Oak Green and Linton, is now the leading UK soft and stone fruit marketing company.

Mr Kelsey added: “The results support our assertion that the grower-owned co-operative model can deliver sustained long term success for members within the highly competitive UK fruit and vegetable sector.

“During a period of economic challenge, including Eurozone uncertainty and rising costs, it is heartening to see fresh berries are the number one category in supermarkets.”

Six years ago, fresh berries languished in fifth spot behind bananas, apples, citrus and grapes.

Latest figures show demand is continuing to grow and growers are confident this will accelerate this year, especially on the back of huge national events such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic/Paralympic Games.