Harvest fine foods continues growth with new funding
Christchurch-based wholesaler, Harvest Fine Foods, is set for further expansion after receiving a £200,000 asset finance deal from Santander Corporate Commercial. The Company, which supplies dry stores, chilled, frozen and fresh produce to caterers throughout Hampshire and Dorset has used the money to purchase a 3000 sq ft walk-in freezer, a 1000 sq ft fridge, two specialised narrow-aisle forklift trucks and racking.
Harvest Fine Foods is an independent family-owned and run business which was established in 1995 by Robin Strongman and is now run by his son, Richard. The company has seen steady growth every year and has expanded the product range to include frozen and chilled foods and most recently fresh fruit and vegetables. As members of the Sterling Supergroup, a national purchasing consortium with an annual turnover of £400 million, Harvest Fine Foods is able to offer a very diverse range of high quality products at very competitive prices.
The business is relocating to larger premises and has used the new finance to acquire the equipment it needs to continue its growth strategy. Traditionally, its customers were restaurants and hotels, but Richard and his team have expanded into golf clubs, schools, nursing homes and hospitals with major contracts located throughout the South and South East of the UK.
Richard Strongman, Managing Director for Harvest Fine Foods, said: “We are extremely proud to be expanding our business at this key point in its history. By using asset finance we have been able to release funds and maintain cashflow whilst undertaking ambitious growth plans. I'm already planning my next phase of investment to take on more business and hopefully recruit more staff from the local community.”
Katie Loder, Relationship Director for Santander Corporate Commercial, said: “We’re delighted to be helping a local business with a strong, expanding customer base and an excellent management team. Richard has a proven track record and we are confident the business will continue to meet its aspirations.”
