UK-based fresh prepared food producer Bakkavor has announced plans to shut its salads factory in Alresford, Hampshire.

The company noted that the proposal to shut the facility has come after the site experienced a significant loss with one of its key customers.

Bakkavor UK COO Mike Edwards said: “This is a sad day and it has been a very painful decision to make. We have worked hard over the last 20 years to become an integral part of the local community, both as a major employer and a supporter of many local community projects.

“As with businesses all over the UK, we are having to adjust our operations to a very different economic landscape, and this, unfortunately, involves the proposed closure of Alresford Salads.”

Bakkavor acquired Alresford Salads in 2000. The facility currently has a workforce of nearly 100 members.

The company is due to transfer business at the site to another supplier in October.

Bakkavor said that despite its best efforts, it has not been able to replac the business.

The decision to close the Alresford site is not linked with the company’s ongoing work with the Environment Agency that has received heightened attention.

The latest decision comes after the company announced in June this year that it is planning to shut one of the group’s salads factories in Spalding.

Bakkavor continues to review its operational review strategy in the salads category to improve efficiencies, protect margins and hold a key position in this segment.

The company added that it is a difficult time for the employees working at the site and it will focus solely on them during this process.

In March 2019, Bakkavor reportedly planned a Freshcook facility closure in Holbeach St Marks by the end of April.