Scottish berry grower and supplier Angus Soft Fruits has been named as a finalist in three categories at the UK Fruit and Vegetable awards, presented by the Fresh Produce Journal.
The Scottish family-owned berry growing business has been shortlisted in the Marketing and Digital Initiative category, which recognises organisations who have delivered the best public-facing work of the year. This nomination follows the company’s investment in a strategic marketing plan to increase awareness of its premium berry brand, AVA™ Berries.
A strategic and targeted approach to social media marketing and PR activity led to a partnership with Edinburgh Marathon Festival as their ‘Official Strawberry Supplier’, with six staff members competing in AVA™ Berries-branded kit, as well as developing close relationships with high-end restaurants to create recipes using AVA™ Berries.
Meanwhile, Jill Witheyman, marketing manager at Angus Soft Fruits, has been shortlisted for the Women in Produce Award which recognises outstanding performance by a woman in the fresh produce industry over the past year.
Additionally, Angus Soft Fruits has been shortlisted in the Charitable Initiative category in recognition of their charitable giving. The business has implemented a year-long programme of fundraising with a focus on health and wellbeing. Company employees selected two local charities, Enable Angus and Touchstones Child Bereavement Support, aiming to raise over £10,000 and make a real difference to their chosen causes.
Lochy Porter, Charmain of Angus Soft Fruits said: “To be shortlisted in three hotly contested categories at the UK Fruit and Vegetable awards is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Angus Soft Fruits team, who continue to excel in all areas of our industry.
“As the business grows, so do our responsibilities to our local communities. Our entire team has worked incredibly hard to raise funds for two fantastic causes, from running the Edinburgh Marathon to completing an 5k inflatable assault course, so it’s fantastic to see these efforts rewarded by a nomination in the Charitable Initiative category.
“Huge congratulations also to Jill Witheyman for a well-deserved nomination for the Women in Produce Award. Throughout her 12 years with Angus Soft Fruits, Jill has demonstrated herself to be innovative and efficient, with a unique ability to understand our marketplace and produce outstanding results for the company.”
Winners from all ten categories at the UK Fruit and Vegetable Awards, as voted for by subscribers to the Fresh Produce Journal, will be announced on Monday 7 October at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.
