How are the markets you’re in performing – condiments, chutneys, pickle, mayo, dressings and sweet and savoury sauces?
The dynamics vary: the condiments market is static, with a high proportion of own label; other areas, for example dressings, are growing 5% per annum, but sales are largely weather dependent. Our retail-facing ingredients are ‘Very Lazy’ – Garlic, Chillies, Ginger and Caramelised Red Onions, which are growing 9% in volume and value. EPC’s share as a supplier is quite substantial but difficult to calculate because of the complex combination of ‘best tier’ own label and branded. Typically we could be supplying 20-25% of a category, but only 1%-3% might be EPC-branded. GT – How big is EPC in turnover? How fast is it growing? EPC has a £30m turnover, up from £3m ten years ago. Before the Suffolk Foods acquisition in 2004, it was £12m, and from there it grew to £27-28m. We’re now £30m, and Alembic adds another £30m turnover to the Group’s food interests. GT – How big is the English Provender brand? The EPC brand is worth about £4m. People sometimes regard us as having two brands, with ‘Very