Importer of the Year! ( Monday 12 May 2008 )

Great was the joy when Capespan UK landed the Importer of the Year trophy at the Re:fresh awards in London on 8 May.

The judges were impressed by Capespan's transformation from a South African seasonal supplier to a 365-day global player. Within the last year, the business has changed significantly, driven by the company's passion for technical innovation and commitment to meet current and future needs of producers, business partners and consumers.

"We’re absolutely delighted and honoured to win such a prestigious award. Having been finalists for a number of years, our joy is even greater," enthused Capespan UK managing director Ronan Lennon. "Capespan competed against impressive companies and it's wonderful to have been recognised by judges from our competitors."

Having pioneered new supply sources and deploying innovative technologies, Capespan developed fresh opportunities for UK retailers and provided market access for new suppliers. The company has been instrumental in developing table grape supplies from India, Egypt and Peru; as well as apples and pears from China.

As a socially responsible business, Capespan has been trialling new technologies throughout 2007 to reduce packaging, improve product quality and identify sustainable and renewable alternatives to conventional plastic. Included were trials of a cartonless transport system for apples, the introduction of modified atmosphere grape packs, energy-saving V-Channel grape cartons and Bio-plastic packaging material applications for grapes and pome. Working actively to reduce it's environmental impact, the company aligns with producers who invest in and protect nature. Capespan also supports the UK government's 5-A-Day scheme, the Schools Fruit and Vegetable scheme and the British Schools' Orienteering Championships.

According to the judges, the contest was a closely fought discussion between Capespan, Katope Malet Azoulay and Spania Fresh Produce Ltd. The decision was swung by the quality of Capespan’s entry.

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