Chingford Fruit has joined forces with Sainsbury’s in a new industry-defining graduate scheme that will bring new talent into the British agriculture and horticulture industry.
The Kent-based fruit supplier was selected by Sainsbury’s to join a select few of its leading suppliers to offer graduates an intensive programme of training as part of an innovative and unique project.
Aligned with the Government’s recently announced Agriculture-Technologies Strategy, the scheme aims to attract the brightest young people, creating the next generation of market leaders.
The two-year programme will demonstrate the opportunities that exist and provide a practical and diverse understanding of fresh produce, farming and agriculture.
David Alder, Technical Director of Chingford Fruit, said: “We're really excited to be involved in this unique scheme and are proud to be able to support and invest in the future generation of our industry.
"We have a long and established relationship with Sainsbury's, having supplied them since 1966.
“To take our skills and expertise and play a part in developing individuals skills, seeing them succeed and progress within the industry, will be a highly rewarding achievement.”
In September, Sainsbury’s first three graduates will embark on a two-year programme of training, each undertaking four six-month placements with trusted Sainsbury’s suppliers across the agriculture and horticulture industries.
At Chingford Fruit, placed individuals will work alongside the technical and quality teams to gain insight and experience in quality management systems, as well as the product safety and legal aspects of the business.
The scheme falls under Sainsbury’s ongoing ’20 by 20’ commitments to double the amount of British food sold by 2020 and nurture business leaders to progress towards this vision.
Judith Batchelar, Director of Sainsbury’s Brand, commented: “I'm extremely proud to launch a graduate scheme that's dedicated to British agriculture.
“The scheme adds to the 80 graduate placements Sainsbury’s has offered in the last five years.
“With the average age of a farmer being over 50, it's important to attract and train young talent to drive technical development in a sustainable way and build on Sainsbury's heritage in food technology and product development.
“The strategy and our scheme bring benefits for the whole supply chain – from farmers and suppliers through to our customers.”
Issued on behalf of Chingford Fruit by threebrand.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Gillian Hamilton or Lisa Addie at threebrand on 0131 454 2030 or email gillian@threebrand.com / lisaaddie@threebrand.com
Notes to Editor:
Chingford Fruit:
Chingford Fruit Limited – a family business – was established in 1966 and is now one of the leading fresh fruit import and supply companies in the UK. The company is owned by AG Thames Holdings, which was set up by Leon Aichen, who remains Chairman of the Group. It is a worldwide fresh produce business, responsible for importing and distributing over 11 million crates of fruit per year. With Headquarters in an 120,000sqft wholly-owned facility in Crayford, Kent, Chingford Fruit also has offices in South Africa, Spain, Italy, Chile and New Zealand. Working with a number of UK and overseas growers, the company supplies a wide variety of high quality fruit, including top fruit, citrus, stone fruit, melons and kiwi fruit from across the world. The company works very closely with dedicated growing partners in order to provide them with sustainable growth for their businesses as well as constantly reviewing ways to achieve a sustainable and efficient supply chain.
Sainsbury’s:
Sainsbury’s sits on the Leadership Council for the Government’s Agricultural Technologies Strategy launched Monday 22 July. Judith Batchelar, Director of Sainsbury’s Brand, is co-chair of the Leadership Group tasked with shaping this strategy. In January 2013, Sainsbury’s announced the awarding of £1.2million of investment for the future of British farming to 14 farmers and growers – http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/media/latest-stories/2013/20130104-sainsburys-hands-out-gbp-12-million-investment-for-future-of-british-farming
Applications for the second phase of funding will be open to Sainsbury’s farmers and suppliers soon
Details on the application process for the Agricultural Graduate Scheme will be announced later this year. Visit http://sainsburys.jobs/graduates for more information on Sainsbury’s 2020 leaders programme
Source: Chingford Fruit