The chief executive of Morrison’s, Dalton Philips has announced plans for the group to become the UK’s largest fresh food manufacturer. Speaking at the retailer’s Second Farming Conference recently, Philips detailed plans to invest £21m to increase its capacity at the retailer’s Colne abattoir in Lancashire.
The chief executive of Morrison’s, Dalton Philips has announced plans for the group to become the UK’s largest fresh food manufacturer. Speaking at the retailer’s Second Farming Conference recently, Philips detailed plans to invest £21m to increase its capacity at the retailer’s Colne abattoir in Lancashire. In addition, Morrison’s will complete its investment of over £200m in the expansion of its manufacturing business, which will allow it to source more fresh food directly from producers than any of its rivals by 2013.
Outlining the retailer’s goals, Dalton Philips added that in addition to recent investments in seafood and meat processing they would also be expanding their fruit, vegetables and salad packing facilities. Mr Philips said: “If market conditions continue, we will become the UK’s largest manufacturer of fresh food by 2015. This investment sets us apart from other retailers and means that we will be the biggest customer for UK farms. This will continue to build on our record of serving the freshest and best food that our farmers have to offer with minimal waste in the supply chain.”
By making more of its fresh products, Morrison’s can control quality, cut out middlemen and deal directly with farmers. This means Morrison’s buy and make use of whole crops of fruit and vegetables or whole animals.
The announcement comes as competition in the UK’s fresh food space is stepping up. Tesco recently announced that it will be investing heavily to improve its fresh offering. Nevertheless, Morrison’s distinctive farm-to-fork approach leaves it well-positioned to take on the challenge.
Maria Stokes, London Office, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board
Source: Bordbia – Morrison’s Sets Target of Becoming the UK’s Largest Fresh Food Manufacturer
