UK-based fresh prepared vegetable specialist Parripak Foods has announced that James Parrish, one of the company's founders, will be leaving the company at the end of the month.

Nick Parrish founded the original company, Parripak Produce, in 1987 and James joined his brother in 1991. Together with chairman Robin Allingham, they formed Parripak Foods, a diversification enterprise to the family farming business that specialised in the growing and pre-packing of onions and shallots.

The business quickly expanded and now produces a full range of prepared vegetables from aubergines to zucchini, emerging over the past 17 years as one of the largest processors of fresh vegetables in the UK.

In 2005, the company's directors identified the need to take the business to the next level in order to ensure future growth and investment. As a direct result, Parripak Foods became part of the William Jackson Group in 2006. The business acquired the northern-based Solway Vegetable Peelers earlier in the year and they have strengthened their expertise and resources in areas such as technical, operations and procurement.

Commenting on his departure, Mr Parrish said: “I am extremely proud of the achievements of the company and the reputation it has established over the years and I believe we have succeeded in developing Parripak to the level that we originally set out to achieve. Now, after 17 years in the industry, and with the business going from strength to strength under our managing director, Gavin McNally, it is the right time for me to pursue new opportunities. I will miss the many different and inspiring people I have worked with, but I am leaving the company at the end of one exciting chapter and the beginning of another.”

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