£52m Shropshire fruit firm is ripe for expansion
A fruit distributor which has grown to become a £52 million business since launching a decade ago has expanded its Shropshire base.
Jupiter Marketing has grown rapidly since its inception in Newport 10 years ago, and has now extended its lease on its property on the Audley Avenue Industrial Estate, and added its neighbouring premises.
The company supplies to more than 400 customers, including major supermarkets, and is now hoping to use the additional space to increase its offer to local grocers – a sector of the market which is currently seen as growth territory by Britain's big four retailers.
Initiative
"We have expanded our business into new markets and taken the initiative to look at the convenience sector," said managing director Mark Tweddle. "We have grown into that market due to our dynamic plans and flexibility.
"That's taking the business down a new route for us, providing a whole range for convenience shops.
"The expanded premises ultimately gives us more control over the stock, and gives us more room to put in additional lines.
"We have anything from potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes – any fresh product range across about 70 different lines."
The company employs 47 full-time staff – including 38 in Newport – as well as up to 120 agency staff.
"We source from all over the world. We have a large business out of the southern hemisphere – which covers South Africa, Chile, Brazil, Argentina – and we have customers in Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and Russia," Mr Tweddle added.
"Jupiter only started 10 years ago with a blank sheet of paper, and we have seen continuous growth and are now a £52 million business."
The company's Newport headquarters has grown from 48,312 sq ft to 63,314 sq ft following the agreement of a new four-year lease for the offices, cold store and packaging premises.
The site is run by Midlands commercial property firm St Modwen, whose senior asset manager Julie Rossiter said: "The location of Audley Avenue Enterprise Park is ideal for a business like Jupiter Marketing Ltd which has an international supply chain.
"With superb transport links providing fast and easy access to the national motorway network and a variety of flexible warehouse, industrial and office accommodation we have been able to support Jupiter Marketing Ltd in growing their business."
Alex Smith, surveyor at letting agent Andrew Dixon and Company, said: "There are just two units remaining now at Audley Avenue Enterprise Park, at 3,506sq ft and 3,335sq ft. All benefit from 24 hour access, CCTV security and an on-site estate manager. Each unit is clear span with roller shutter vehicle access."
