UK potato supply chain specialist, AKP Group, has announced the acquisition of Yorkshire-based Whole Crop Marketing Ltd (WCM).
Established in York in 1999 by Richard Arundel and Bruce Kerr, AKP Group is a potato grower, marketing group and supply chain specialist, working with partners in retail, processing and food manufacturing, in the UK and Europe. It is based in North Lincolnshire.
Whole Crop Marketing Ltd, established in 2008, specialises in marketing potatoes and ensuring a maximum return. The business supports growers by offering services including seed supply and marketing solutions tailored to their customers in the pre-pack and crisping sectors.
Whole Crop Marketing Ltd has built a reputation for its extensive grower base and Managing Director of AKP Group, Richard Arundel, said he was ‘delighted’ to incorporate the company within the AKP Group.
“By combining our expertise, infrastructure and resources, we aim to strengthen the supply chain for our customers, minimise risks for our growers, and support the long-term success of UK agriculture,” he said.
Philip Dunn, Chairman of Whole Crop Marketing Ltd, reassured WCM’s partners and customers that the aquisition marked “an exciting new chapter”, with both AKP and WCM sharing the vision of maximising profitability of potato production and creating sustainability in the sector.
“Together, we can enhance our offering, provide more comprehensive support to our growers, and deliver even greater value to our customers,” he said.
WCM will continue to operate under its established name within the AKP Group, maintaining its current team, headed up by Richard Arundel in his role as group MD.
