International fresh produce company Total Produce said it is targeting continued growth for 2018 on a like-for-like basis and excluding the impact of the recent Dole deal.
In a trading update issued ahead of its AGM today, Total Produce said that first half-year growth will be limited due to the "unusual weather" and currency movements in the period.
It said its full year growth expectations are unchanged.
In February, the company agreed to deal to buy a 45% stake in Dole Food Company for $300m.
Dole is one of the largest fresh produce companies in the world.
The deal is still subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second half of this year.
The company said in today's statement that subject to shareholder approval, a final dividend of 2.4527 cent per share will be paid on June 1, representing a 10% increase on last year.
"Total Produce is in a strong financial position and the Dole transaction represents a very significant step and a continuation of the group's successful expansion strategy," the company added.
