Job losses as wholesaler closes

One of Norfolk's major fruit and vegetable wholesalers has announced it is to close, with the loss of more than 40 jobs.

Staff at Total Produce in Lansdowne Road, Norwich, have been told the firm will shut its doors later this month.

The firm, which was formerly known as Fyffes, said 44 jobs would be lost. The closure will leave only one fruit and vegetable wholesaler in the area.

Val Wright, the firm's branch accountant, said staff were "very sad."

At one time Total Produce was selling 8,000 to 10,000 bananas around the country each week.

General manager David Crosby said the fruit and vegetable trade was becoming increasingly difficult for operators.

He said: "I just wish anybody going into the fruit trade finds it easy but I don't think they will anymore."