Dole Fresh UK has restructured its business to better respond to the mults' growing interest in direct sourcing.

The company's latest accounts reveal shareholders carried out a review of Dole's activity last year with the aim of "better ­positioning the company to deal with the challenges facing the industry".

"Management are adapting the business model to take advantage of the penetration of the direct sourcing model by the major UK retailers," the company's directors said.

The changes would complement the traditional fresh produce business model, they added.

Dole Fresh UK's reorganisation was revealed as the company announced pre-tax profits of £1.2m for 2010, up 59.4% on 2009. Turnover rose 5%, to £128.3m, which the directors said was the result of the company acquiring more business from key customers.