Bakkavor appoints new Wigan general manager
Biddle joined the site from Bakkavor USA, where he served as general manager for the past two years. Prior to his time with the business, he was site operations director for Parkcakes Bakery and had been with the company since 2007.
In his new role, Biddle will be tasked with further investment in the Wigan site’s primary produce – mashed potato.
Greater involvement
He told local publication Wigan Today he was looking forward to getting involved in the great work already happening at the factory.
“Following my work in America, I was really eager to return and connect with the UK business and, particularly, the local sites that help keep the business running on ground level,” Biddle added.
“Despite hard times experienced by many over the past year or so, it is great to see that the energy and passion that has always been paramount at Bakkavor, still remains.”
Bakkavor finances
Biddle’s appointment comes as Bakkavor reported revenue was ahead in the 52 weeks to 25 December 2021 – up 6.2% compared to 2020 and 1.2% compared to 2019.
Last year also saw the manufacturer secure a £14.4m asset finance deal from HSBC UK to help fund an overhaul of its refrigeration systems, starting with plant replacements at its Suttin Brighe and Boston sites in Lincolnshire and the Bo’ness site in West Lothian.
"We have seen strong sales momentum in the UK as lockdown restrictions eased and frequency of shopping visits returned," the business stated. Product innovation had helped.
Meanwhile, value-added ingredients manufacturer Meadow Foods has appointed Raj Tugnait as its new chief executive.
Boasting more than 30 years of senior experience in the food sector, Tugnait joins the business from Sysco Speciality Group, where he served as chief executive since April 2020.
