Poupart Citrus
Background
Poupart Citrus is a wholly owned division of Poupart Limited. The supermarket section was set up in 1987 as a specialist marketer of citrus products to the UK multiple sector. This focus on one fresh product category has resulted in the division becoming the Category Manager of all citrus products to Waitrose and Ocado.
Customer Philosophy
Poupart Citrus works closely in partnership with Waitrose in the development of planning and sales strategies. Information including sales and wastage data is regulary received and this is analysed by Poupart Citrus in order to improve the performance of the citrus category at store level and deliver products that will continually delight and satisfy the consumer.
Detailed regular research, through the use of focus groups, is carried out to ascertain current and future demands. Products are then developed and marketed to meet these requirements.
Supply Philosophy
Poupart Citrus strategy is to source its produce from proprietor-led family businesses. This policy ensures that the directors are fully involved with the quality and production of the final product. The growers supplying Poupart are some of the most innovative and progressive in their countries of origin. Several have developed new varieties of easy-peelers and lemons, which are unique and exclusive to Poupart and its client base.
Poupart is in regular contact with its suppliers, and information on product quality and developments is shared between the company and its sources. Our technical and commercial staff make appropriate visits throughout the year, and on occasions in conjunction with Waitrose. Continued development plans are in place with suppliers, ensuring continued growth.
Organics
As a major importer Poupart has become involved in the marketing of organically produced citrus fruit in order to allow both growers and retailers the opportunity to maximise their offers to the consumer. Poupart employs a dedicated member of staff responsible for all the commercial aspects of importing and marketing organics. In addition she deals with the Soil Association and the associated paperwork required to supply organic fruit. Poupart holds a Soil Association licence.
Poupart in conjunction with its supplier base in Spain have developed totally new farms which have been planted purely for the organic marketplace. The resulting fruit is exclusive to Poupart's clients in the UK. Our objective is to offer organic citrus in order to benefit both our growers and customers in the aim to achieve greater overall market share.
Technical & Quality Assurance
Poupart's technical team is unique in that its South African manager has over fourteen years experience working in the citrus industry at source. This experience, combined with professional UK quality controllers, has resulted in the company being able to provide a very comprehensive technical service to its customers and growers.
This service includes advice on production protocols such as Eurepgap and help in achieving the required standards. In addition the team ensures that product supplied to customers on a daily basis meets the high levels of quality specified. Through liaison with growers Poupart is able to pass on information on new varieties, farming methods, harvesting and storage programmes based on product quality and availability.
Distribution & Storage
Poupart Citrus does not own or operate any distribution or storage facilities in the UK. All product is handled at the Cross & Wells distribution and packing centre in Sittingbourne, Kent. Poupart Citrus has its own quality assurance and stock control team based at this location under the management of an operations manager.
