Gavin Darby appointed chairman of Orchard House Foods

By Gwen Ridler

- Last updated on GMT

Gavin Darby has been appoint chairman of Orchard House Foods
Gavin Darby has been appoint chairman of Orchard House Foods
Former Premier Foods chief executive Gavin Darby has been appointed chairman of fresh fruit and fruit-based desserts supplier Orchard House Foods.

Darby – currently chairman of food distribution charity The Felix Project – headed Premier Foods for six years until 2019 and helped lead a turnaround for the business.

He has also held a number of senior positions in some the world’s largest businesses, including 15 years at the Coca-Cola Company and ten years at telecommunications giant Vodafone. From 2017 to 2019, Darby also served as president for the Food and Drink Federation.

Developing on-the-go range

Commenting on his appointment, Darby said: As we look beyond COVID-19 and Brexit, I see exciting opportunities for the business, particularly in developing and expanding Orchard House's on-the-go fruit and beverage range.

“We will continuously strive to offer our customers the best service and quality with investment in people, technology, and processes. I look forward to working closely with Elaghmore and the Orchard House team.”

Darby joins the business following its acquisition by UK-based private equity fund Elaghmore in January this year.

Significant step for Orchard

Elaghmore co-founder Andy Ducker added: We see the appointment of Gavin as a significant step in our growth plans for Orchard House. He has a wealth of industry knowledge and experience that makes him the ideal person to lead the business forward and extend Orchard House’s position as a market leader.”

Orchard House and its associated brands supply retailers, on-the-go food outlets, foodservice providers and manufacturers throughout the UK, with clients including Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Pret A Manger, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.

The Corby, Northamptonshire-based business employs around 1,000 people and utilises a global supply chain, sourcing and preparing a range of exotic fresh fruits from across the world.

Meanwhile, Mars Wrigley UK, which produces brands including M&M's, Milky Way and Skittles, has announced Adam Grant’s appointment as general manager.

Related topics People & Skills Fresh produce

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