FIFE vegetable supplier, Kettle Produce, has had a visit from TV farming personality Adam Henson, acting as Bank of Scotland’s farming ambassador.

Mr Henson went on a field and factory tour at Kettle's manufacturing facility near Freuchie, where he was joined by the bank’s south and east Scotland area director for agriculture, Sandy Hay, as they inspected produce first hand.

After a presentation from Kettle staff, the group made their way out to visit local grower, Andrew Howie, who walked Adam and Sandy through the current crops and gave opportunity to sample the fresh carrots destined for UK supermarkets this winter.

Kettle’s head of field department, Ian Morrison, said: “It’s been fantastic to have the opportunity to showcase Kettle’s operations and to discuss ideas with an experienced farmer like Adam. A lot of time, dedication and hard work goes into getting fresh produce from field to market, requiring a consistently high level of attention to ensure delivery. Sharing ideas and support is vital to maintaining this essential process.”

Mr Hay said: “Bank of Scotland is incredibly supportive of the Scottish farming and agricultural industries. Kettle Produce, in its 40th year of business, is a well-established vegetable processer and packer. We are proud to have supported this successful business through many major milestones and we continue to see it going from strength to strength, responding to new market trends and leading new innovative product development.

“By introducing an industry champion like Adam to one of our key mid markets customers, which is intrinsically linked into the agriculture sector, as well as one of our farming customers, Andrew Howie, we are able to provide a platform with a sector specialist to help raise and discuss important issues for the industry.”

Adam added: “I have been really impressed by the size and scale of operations at Kettle Produce and how the business maintains a structure that works for its very diverse supply chain. Collaboration is key. There is a huge amount of trust that’s been built through strong working relationships, some now with third generation farmers. It’s a great model that brings produce with a strong reputation for premium quality to our supermarket shelves.”