SCOTTISH berry grower and supplier, Angus Soft Fruits has triumphed at this year’s Co-Op and Scotmid Scottish Supplier Awards, winning not one, but two prestigious awards.

This is the first year the two convenience retailers have joined forces to recognise the high-quality produce of both supermarkets’ Scottish suppliers, which between them stock over 1800 Scottish lines.

Winner of ‘Own Label Supplier of the Year’, Angus Soft Fruits was recognised for its role in driving the retailer’s berry category forward. This summer Angus Soft Fruits has more than doubled its supply of AVA strawberries to Co-Op when compared to 2017 levels, boosted by a targeted marketing campaign across Scotland and the North of England.

Having supplied berries to the Co-Op for over 20 years, the award was also recognition of the quality of commitment and service to the supermarket chain.

The berry grower was also awarded ‘Fresh Product of the Year’ for its AVA™ Rosa strawberry variety, sold exclusively at Co-Op. Angus Soft Fruit’s AVA strawberries are developed through their research and design facility, the Angus Breeding Programme, which has the primary aim of bringing new selections to market that have improved flavour, appearance, shelf life, disease resistance and yield than current varieties.

Senior account manager at Angus Soft Fruits, Robert Mould, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have won two awards at last night’s Co-op and Scotmid Scottish Supplier Awards. These wins are a reflection of our commitment to producing the highest quality Scottish berries for consumers.

“Angus Soft Fruits has been supplying Co-op with fresh berries for over 20 years now, and we’re incredibly grateful for the increase in business we’ve won this summer. It is a testament to the quality of our fruit and all our growers’ hard work.”

Managing director of Angus Soft Fruits and owner of East Seaton Farm in Arbroath, Lochy Porter, said: “To win two awards at the Co-op and Scotmid Scottish Supplier Awards really means a lot to us at Angus Soft Fruits. Both accolades are a great testament to the hard work of the Angus Soft Fruits team, from research and development right through to our growers across Scotland, who consistently produce only the highest quality berries.”