Most fresh producers are defying the doom and gloom that has beset the sector following crop shortages and a slump in fruit and veg consumption, according to new figures.

A survey of the UK's 1,000 main fresh produce operators by analyst Plimsoll shows that the top 81 companies have increased sales by 21% and doubled their profits in the past year.

Sales were up more than 7% on average across the sector, and the average gross profit approached 15%. Levels of investment have also risen for the first time in five years.

The UK fresh produce industry was "seeing a mini resurgence, despite recent jitters on the domestic and world markets", according to Plimsoll.

"With all the talk of a slowdown in the UK economy the figures are really refreshing," said David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll. "A lot of hard work during the past couple of years is starting to pay off."

Pattison said the growth was based on increased productivity and capital investment. "Successful companies have been chasing new levels of efficiency," he added. Berry Gardens, JP Fresh and Poupart were singled out as the best trading partners.

However, it was not all good news, as the figures also revealed that a third of the sector made no profit or turned a loss. Plimsoll pinpointed 31 companies it said were failing to cope with new levels of business performance.

"It is likely some will struggle to survive in difficult economic conditions over the next six months," Pattison said.

A separate survey, carried out for Somerfield, revealed that poor summer weather had hit fruit and veg consumption.

Half of those polled said they had ditched their usual summer diet this year, preferring stodgy "comfort-eating" foods instead.

More than a quarter abandoned salads altogether and one in 10 let their fruit and vegetable intake drop significantly.

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