Place UK was founded in 1954, and grows, processes and markets crops of high quality rhubarb, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries on 400 acres of farm land near Norwich. It also farms a further 400 acres of arable crops and grows bean sprouts. The 7 boreholes and irrigation systems, mainly with trickle irrigation under each row of fruit, are an essential part of our production system.

All the fruit is brought back to Tunstead where we have our own freezing factory with two Starfrost I.Q.F. freezing tunnels capable of 5 tonnes per hour continuous freezing, together with washing, inspection and grading equipment. 

We also have a fruit puree inspection, washing, sieving, chilling, packing and freezing line. 

Our cold stores hold 1200 pallets of frozen stocks at -20°C, and we also use the neighbouring cold stores, such as Salvesens at Lowestoft. 

Our market for processed fruit is to UK Food Manufacturers who require high quality soft fruit carefully grown, frozen and packed with the utmost due diligence, to their own individual specification for the preserve, bakery and dairy trades (jam, gateau, cake mix, yoghurts, etc.) 

We need 800 pickers in June, July and August, recruiting from Norwich and the surrounds. Since 1965 we have also run a farm camp village at Tunstead providing accommodation for 400 students from overseas. 

Because of the proximity of the farms to the factory we can quickly freeze the fruit as soon as picked - normally within 4 to 5 hours. 

 Most years we will have field trials of new varieties of potential processing or fresh strawberries and raspberries. We need to keep ahead of the field where possible. 

On the Farms, we pay particular attention to operating an integrated pesticide policy. This policy being to achieve the best pest control, with the minimum use of chemicals. We continually monitor for pests and diseases, and where possible, make use of natural predators. All of our spray operators are highly trained in handling and applying chemicals, thus complying with current legislation. 

We comply with and are members of the National “Assured Produce Scheme”.

The Factory operates under its own Code of Practice, integrating recognized Hygiene/HACCP Policies, which comply with specifications as laid down by the various buyers of product. “Due Diligence” features throughout the whole operation. An independent Laboratory, situated locally, is used to carry out any microbiological work required. Similarly, we use an independent GLP approved Laboratory to carry out Chemical Residue testing on our produce. 

IMPORTS
Since 1990 we have imported substantial tonnages of fruit, mainly strawberries from Turkey and Poland, raspberries from Chile and Hungary, and rhubarb from Poland. Smaller quantities of other fruits are bought in as required. Much of these products actually come into the UK and pass through our Tunstead Factory for specialist inspection/packing/slicing/dicing etc. 

All overseas factories supplying goods to Place UK are duly audited and approved by both ourselves and, in many cases, our customer’s Technical Team.

FRESH FRUIT
We run a separate but integrated Fresh Fruit section, growing, harvesting and packing substantial tonnages of Elsanta strawberries and Tulameen raspberries for the major Supermarkets. We are also developing our Organic fruit capability, having already achieved Soil Association accreditation for Frozen Fruirts and Vegetables.

The complete Fresh Fruit exercise is run under the Company’s Code of Practice, and is regularly monitored by our Buyers. 

BEAN SPROUTS
Considerable investment has been made in the production of Bean Sprouts, which can be offered in substantial volumes on a daily basis. This product is available in either a fresh or I.Q.F. (frozen) state. Furthermore we can now offer Organic Bean Sprouts. As with all other exercises in our factories, due diligence - code of practice - HACCP are in place, with regular microbiological checks a very important fact. The beans can be produced from Chinese or Australian seed, depending on just what the customer requires.

PROCESSING AND PACKING SERVICES
A further supplementary part of the business is in contract Processing of fruit and vegetables for other growers and participants in the Food Industry. All processed to the highest standards within our own Factory Code of Practice, this incorporates fresh fruit and vegetables - canned products - dry products like pasta and rice - dried peas for conversion to “Mushy Peas” - barbecued vegetables - black fungus. Contract slicing, dicing, manufacturing purees (with or without seeds or stones), including organic fruits - is also a specialty. This work carried out using both our own, and customer’s raw materials. 

This business, which has just completed further considerable investment for expanding the main processing Factory, is successful because it is prepared to produce WHAT ITS CUSTOMERS REQUIRE, and WHEN THEY REQUIRE IT giving flexibility a high degree of priority.

We would like to offer our considerable knowledge in the growing & processing of soft fruits, to you as a potential customer and trust that we may have the opportunity to assist in the development of your own particular sector of the food industry.