British fruit producer goes green with support from HSBC

Mansfields has received a substantial funding package from HSBC UK to support the company’s future growth and sustainability initiatives.

Established in 1968, Mansfields is one of the largest producers of freshly grown fruit such as strawberries, apples and pears in the UK. The producer offers a complete service of growing, picking and packaging fruit, supplying produce to leading supermarkets, caterers and restaurants across the country.

Mansfields switched to banking with HSBC UK at the end of 2021, with the funding package including an asset finance loan, which has enabled the company to make significant investment into its fruit stores, packhouse, and cold store facility. As a result, Mansfields will maintain the fruit it grows in-house, preventing food wastage.

The support from HSBC UK has also enabled Mansfields to further its sustainability efforts. The business has used a Green Loan provided by HSBC Equipment Finance UK to support the installation of 2,252 solar panels on roof space at its Nickle Farm near Chartham, taking the total number of solar panels on the farm to 6,600.

Over 25 years, it is estimated that this will save 10,250 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of planting 410,000 trees.

Lee Port, CEO of Mansfields, says, “The farming industry is changing significantly and as we look to the future, we must embrace new techniques and technological innovations, including significant plantings of Pink Lady and Jazz, that all extend the harvest period for our fruits and reduce our impact on the environment. The support from HSBC UK will allow us to invest in our facilities and remain competitive with consumers as we reduce our reliance on electricity.”

Simon France, Deputy Head of Corporate Equipment Finance at HSBC UK, comments, “Mansfields is a well-established, family-owned business in the British farming industry. We’re delighted to support the business as it faces up to the challenges of modern-day farming and rising energy prices with investment into infrastructure and sustainable initiatives, offering consumers locally grown produce with minimal environmental impact.”

Emma Milburn, Director of Sustainable Finance adds, “I am thrilled that we have been able to support Mansfields with sustainable finance for solar installations, which will have a positive impact on their operations and the environment. HSBC is committed to supporting its customers in their transition to net zero and a sustainable future.”