Bidcorp UK hires new fresh foods MD

The news comes as Brian Hall, current Bidfresh managing director, is set to retire this summer after almost 20 years at the company. Andy Farnworth will step into his shoes on 1 July 2024.

Before moving to Bidfresh, Farnworth spent 16 years at Fresh Direct, serving as its sales & marketing director and more recently, managing director for all its UK fresh operations.

Commenting on his new role, Farnworth said he felt “privileged to lead the fresh team and to be the custodian of such terrific brand”.​

Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp UK, welcomed Farnworth to the team, describing him as a “focused, value-driven and passionate leader with a great deal of experience”.​

He continued: “His work on strategy, operations, sales and marketing will be a great asset to Bidfresh and its independent brands. ​

“I would also like to express my gratitude to Brian Hall, who has been at the helm of Bidfresh for the past four and a half years. The positive changes Brian has made to Bidfresh have been phenomenal, from navigating through Brexit and the pandemic, to steering the business towards record levels of profitability. On behalf of all the team, we wish him a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”​

Speaking on BidFresh’s proposition, Farnworth described it as a “truly unique”​ offering in fresh food service

“We have 10 independent businesses, led by local people, operating autonomously in their regional markets, each with a team of highly skilled fishmongers, butchers and greengrocers,” ​the new MD explained. “They are essentially standalone SMEs with full autonomy, but they are backed by the support and investment from our parent Bidcorp UK, it is a powerful combination.”​

On the future, he said the vision is to “grow into new territories through organic development and acquisitions of like-minded regional fresh businesses”.​

This leadership shake-up follows BidCorp UK’s acquisition of independent ice cream manufacturer Northern Bloc earlier this month.​​