Bidcorp UK has announced the appointment of Andy Farnworth as the new Managing Director of its fresh food division, Bidfresh. Effective from 1st July 2024, Andy will succeed Brian Hall, who is set to retire this summer after nearly 20 years with the company.
Andy Farnworth joins Bidfresh with significant experience and ambitious targets, aiming to double the size of the business over the next five years. He previously spent 16 years at Fresh Direct, most recently as Managing Director for the UK’s fresh operations, and before that, as Sales & Marketing Director, where he oversaw substantial revenue and profit growth.
Commenting on his new role, Andy said: “It’s great to have joined such a successful business with a fantastic team of passionate experts. I feel incredibly privileged to lead the fresh team and to be the custodian of such terrific brands.
“Our proposition is truly unique in fresh foodservice. We have ten independent businesses, led by local people, operating autonomously in their regional markets, each with a team of highly skilled fishmongers, butchers and greengrocers. 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.
“We want Bidfresh to be every chef and caterer’s go-to supplier for all their fresh requirements: fish, seafood, produce, dairy and meat. We will continue to passionately serve our fantastic customers and will look to grow into new territories through organic development and acquisitions of like-minded regional fresh businesses, who share our passion and beliefs and will enhance our proposition.”
Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp UK, expressed his enthusiasm for Andy’s appointment, stating: “We’re delighted to welcome Andy into the Bidcorp UK family as the new Managing Director of Bidfresh. Andy is a focused, value-driven and passionate leader with a great deal of experience in the industry, as well as maintaining excellent customer relationships. His work on strategy, operations, sales and marketing will be a great asset to Bidfresh and its independent brands.”
Selley also extended his gratitude to the outgoing Managing Director, Brian Hall. “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.”
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