PORTADOWN potato producer Wilsons Country has enjoyed measured growth in the year to last July, increasing its turnover by around 10 per cent while pre-tax profit doubled from £225,347 to £448,469.
And chief executive Angus Wilson described the performance as ‘steady within a challenging marketplace’ during a period when the cost of purchasing potatoes had almost doubled from the start to the end of the season due to crop shortages.
He highlighted the brand’s commitment to innovation as a key contributor to the company’s ‘encouraging’ growth, adding: “During 2016 we introduced a number of innovative fresh chilled convenience products to the Irish retail sector under our new brand ‘You Say Potato’.
"These include fresh prepared chips, peeled potatoes ready for the microwave, baby potatoes with Irish herb and garlic butter and sweet potato.
“The Wilson’s business model is about ensuring we are offering customers taste, convenience, range and value for money."
He added: “We've been delighted with the support from retailers and the way consumers have embraced our new products. We are in ongoing discussions with our customers in relation to further possible listings. We also plan to continue with our investment in infrastructure and marketing initiatives for the remainder of 2017 and beyond.”
Mr Wilson said the outlook was good for 2017 with early indications of a healthy crop due to the recent ideal weather of sunshine and showers. The new cropping season has just commenced, with local Comber now fresh on the shelves.
The Wilson’s brand has a long and proud tradition. From its roots, starting off as a single line serving a small section of the rural Armagh community, it is now one of the best-known potato brands in Ireland, supplying most of the major retailers across the island.
The original company which was established in 1986 by Angus Wilson and currently works with around 20 potato growers and employs more than 70 people.
