ABB Marketing Ltd was incorporated under the Companies Acts 1996 with the principal object of marketing quality English Apples and Pears. Before that time, ABB Marketing Partnership (Arnold, Budd and Boucher) supplied direct to J Sainsbury plc for over twenty years and that relationship continues today through the PO as one of their first Partners in Produce.

Previously recognised as a Producer Organisation (a group of likeminded growers working collectively for the benefit of the grower). When the EU Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Scheme started grant funding for POs this was accessed by the co-operative. Unfortunately, this has now ceased for British growers, but this co-operative remains as it was, for the growers. The main Board meet on a regular basis to decide on matters of production and marketing.

ABB have a dedicated backroom team providing sales, marketing, technical support and administration.

ABB now has eight growers across the South East in Kent and East Sussex. It is run democratically by all its members for the benefit of all the members (one member, one vote). As a member you are part of a larger group to give a better position in the marketplace to achieve a more sustainable balance in the supply chain. Working collectively has given each member the ability to reach markets and customers not available to individual farmers.

We supply to the major multiples, and this is organised in-house. Also, other markets may include traditional wholesale markets, juice processing, fruit for schools.

Concentrating supply, improving marketing so that it is more effective. Packing our grower’s fruit in dedicated grower packhouses based on three grower farms, each with BRC accreditation. These also include Food-safety management system including HACCP. Within the group we also have storage facilities (CA, DCA) and these are all strategically placed to benefit our members. ABB provides members with direction from growing, harvesting, packing, distribution and supply and the growers share experience and expertise.