Driscoll’s takes over Berry Gardens 

The world’s berry leader Driscoll’s has completed the acquisition of Berry Gardens Limited (BGL), the sales, packaging and distribution entity of leading UK berry cooperative Berry Gardens Growers Limited (BGG). Berry Gardens Limited is the UK’s largest supplier of berries and has grown, distributed and marketed Driscoll’s varieties on an exclusive basis in the UK for more than 20 years.

Managing director of Driscoll’s Europe, Middle East and Africa, Russell Allwell, said: “This acquisition supports our vision to ‘become the world’s berry company, enriching the lives of everyone we touch’, given the UK is Europe’s second largest fresh berry market; and we believe there is strong growth potential in the UK. Berry Gardens’ value chain has a world-class infrastructure, strong historic ties to Driscoll’s, and industry-leading operations expertise. We can serve British customers and consumers better with an offer differentiated through innovation, new varieties and sustainable choices whether own-label or private. We will be investing heavily in the UK, attracting new consumers, creating new occasions and ensuring a long and successful local season in 2023 and beyond.”

General manager, Berry Gardens Limited, Nick Allen said: “This is a good move for all parties. Our customers will benefit from investments, innovations and category growth; British consumers will get the highest quality berries 52 weeks per year; our staff get the benefits of working for a global leader; Berry Gardens Growers continue to have access to world-class varieties; and, of course, Driscoll’s secures access to both a market with room for growth and some of the best berries grown anywhere in the world.”