Andy Jackson is a business unit manager for fruit at International Produce Limited (IPL), the sole fresh produce importer and supplier to Asda. In April, he will speak at the Global Berry Congress in London about marketing and its role in growing the soft fruit business.
Describe your current role and responsibilities
AJ: I work for International Produce Limited as category manager on soft fruit. IPL is wholly owned by Asda and we are tasked with procuring, importing and packing produce for Asda. My responsibilities cover bananas, soft fruit, cherries and tropical fruit.
After 15 years at Asda, how have you seen the retail sector change in regards to fresh produce?
AJ: It’s more competitive, with tighter margins and more innovation in varieties, taste profiles and types of fruit for customers. All in all this is great for customers but makes our job very challenging.
What do you think the future holds in terms of products or procurement models that might be popular?
AJ: The growth in exotic fruit is exponential year on year and I think products seen asexotic now – such as persimmons and pomegranates – will become mainstream in consumption and sales value.The need for multiple retailers to respond to specific segments of the consumer market is ever growing, be those ethnic products or key events, and the sales opportunities here are huge.As for procurement models, Asda through IPL has lead the way in removing the middle man. It is simple for me: if you don’t add value in the supply chain, your days are ?numbered.
How did you come to be in the industry?
AJ: My very first role was as a produce manager in numerous Asda stores in the north-west of England. In my experience, you either love or hate produce. I fell in love with the product, the pace and the variety. Despite a ten-year sabbatical taking different roles within Asda, I moved back to produce in 2006 and have loved it ever since.
What is it you enjoy most about your job?
AJ: The variety.One day I can be negotiating long-term procurement deals with growers at the source in central America. The next day I might be determining Asda’s retail strategy for the next six months. The ability we have to control the supply chain from field to shelf is truly revolutionary and means I can move quicker than anyone, be closer to the growers and deliver what the customers want.
What are the greatest challenges?
AJ: Fitting everything in! There is so much to do, so many opportunities stillon products, merchandising, sourcing and ways of working that you could work 24/7 for the next five years and not scratch the surface.
In a parallel life, what career or industry would you be in now?
AJ: I’d be a professional cyclist.
Click here to reserve your place at the Global Berry Congress 2012 in London.
No comments yet