Members of the NextGen Fruit Group, a networking and educational association working across the UK fresh fruit supply chain, recently took an educational tour, courtesy of Chambers‘ Oakdene Farm headquarters.
The visit provided an opportunity for Chambers to share its knowledge with the rising stars of the fruit growing industry.
“The visit to Chambers perfectly showcased what NextGen Fruit Group represents; the coming together of bright, motivated and passionate young people within the fruit industry, networking and sharing ideas,” said Ben Bardsley, Chairman of NextGen. “None of this would be possible without the support of businesses like Chambers who kindly open their doors and show us around their impressive sites.”
The half-day event included a tour of the farm, packhouse and the company’s latest innovation – The Fruitery – which showcases Chambers’ pioneering approach to business, signifying the first specialist grower to open its own high-care prepared fruit facility. The new £2 million Fruitery division supplies fruit transferred from the field to chilled within one hour and builds on Chambers’ well-established reduced supply chain model.
“It has been a pleasure to meet with so many members of the NextGen Fruit Group,” Commenting on the morning’s proceedings, Commercial Director James Miller said. “In years to come, it is this generation that will be in-part responsible for the evolution of the latest technological advances in the field, and we hope that by sharing our examples of best practice, we can work collaboratively to further enhance the end product and ultimately boost industry growth.”
Some of those best practices include Chambers’ handling of prepared fresh berry medley pots, which are delivered direct from the grower, representing reduced food miles, 100% traceability and an extended shelf life of up to two days.
