Geoffrey Thompson Holdings sold to Redland Premium Fruit
By Dillon Shelley
AFTER 75 illustrious years of supplying supermarkets and fruiterers with fresh fruit, a significant shift has occurred for a prominent Shepparton business. Geoffrey Thompson Holdings, a company that employs 600 people during harvest and is the fourth largest employer in the Goulburn Valley, has changed ownership.
The company, which supplies 10% of Australia’s apples and pears and recently celebrated the extraordinary milestone of processing a record 107,000 bins, has been acquired by Redland Premium Fruit. This 100% Australian owned company is deeply rooted in the horticulture and citrus sector. The transition took place in late September.
Rob Bryant, Chairman of the board of Geoffrey Thompson Holdings, believes this move will boost employment, stating it “will create a lot of jobs.” He also envisions this merger as a means to transform the fruit industry, drive regional growth, and consumer health in Australia. The introduction of citrus to the company’s offerings not only adds continuity to the factory but also bolsters the recently upgraded $60 million facility.
In Bryant’s words, “Our apples, pears, some stone-fruits will be complemented by the new citrus component of the business.” He further adds, “The takeover adds real value to the Redland Premium Fruit, it’s a great outcome for Geoffrey Thompson Holdings and the Shepparton region.”
