Christchurch hort supplier comes into PGG Wrightson-Fruitfed Supplies fold

Specialist horticultural supplier Shepherds’ AgHort Supplies will become part of Fruitfed Supplies, the national horticultural business of PGG Wrightson Limited.

A privately-owned enterprise, Shepherds’ AgHort Supplies has been highly regarded in the Canterbury region during its 18 years of operation.

Murray Ross, Fruitfed Supplies’ general manager, says he is delighted that the purchase of Shepherds’ AgHort Supplies, which takes place on 1 May 2007, has worked out to the benefit of all involved.

The opportunity arose for Lawson & Phillipa Shepherd to sell the business, however in doing so it was important that any prospective purchaser was able to emonstrate a high level of focus and commitment to the continuation of high standards of service for their clients and the horticultural market generally,” says Ross.

“Fruitfed Supplies is equally committed to providing top quality client service and has been keen to strengthen its position in the vegetable market, an important aspect of Shepherds’ business. Overall there were significant synergies in combining the two operations through this purchase.”

Operating under the Fruitfed Supplies banner, the new business will be situated at Shepherds’ AgHort Supplies site at 100 Carmen Road, Hornby, Christchurch, with Fruitfed Supplies Christchurch vacating its Waterloo Road location during May or June this year.

“From a staffing perspective, it’s very much business as usual. Lawson Shepherd will stay with the business in a consultancy capacity while his wife Phillipa will continue with the business to assist during the transition process. Cheri Dutton and Stuart Paull have been offered positions with Fruitfed Supplies and will be a much-valued part of our team in the expanded operation” says Ross.

Fruitfed Supplies’ southern regional manager Peter Mortimer says the purchase of Shepherds’ AgHort Supplies has a good feel about it.

“We have similar values, good staff, offer a comprehensive service and have strong relationships with our suppliers and clients,” says Mortimer. “This purchase provides us the opportunity to expand and grow our business in Canterbury and will make our Christchurch branch the secondlargest Fruitfed Supplies operation in the South Island. We are really looking forward to moving the combined businesses to a new level providing quality products, solutions and customer services
for our existing and potential customers.”

Ends

For more information, please contact:

Murray Ross
General Manager
Fruitfed Supplies
Mobile:  027 483 9767

Or

Peter Mortimer
Southern Region Manager
Fruitfed Supplies
Mobile: 027 434 4072