Former DPS commercial director replaces Mark Culley after 30 years at the helm
UK-based fresh produce supplier The Orchard Fruit Company has named their new managing director as Dan Masters, effective September 2026.
Masters, who has previously held roles at Direct Produce Supplies (DPS), Fresh Produce Partners (FPP) and Norton Folgate replaces Mark Culley, who has been at the helm of the company for over 30 years.
The Orchard Fruit Company is formed of sister companies Orchard World and Norton Folgate that amalgamated in 2017.
In 2016, Masters joined Norton Folgate as commercial manager, where he was responsible for the company’s accounts with retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Costco and Whole Foods.
He then went on to become head of procurement at Norton Folgate, before taking the same role at FPP.
In 2023, Masters became head of commercial at DPS and then commercial director in 2024, a role he has held until now.
Masters won the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers Under-30 Award in 2020, which is awarded to individuals who have made a career and reached management level in the fruit industry before the age of 30.
In a post shared on Linkedin, Masters said: “[Orchard World & Norton Folgate] is a fantastic group with both businesses having a strong heritage, talented people and ambitious plans for the future, and I feel very fortunate and excited to have the opportunity to be part of it.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the team, customers and partners, building on what has already been achieved and helping shape the next stage of the company’s journey and growth,” he added.
The Orchard Fruit Company, which is headquartered in Colchester, Essex, sources and supplies topfruit, stonefruit, citrus, cherries and grapes to major supermarkets and non-retail sectors.
The company operates lines such as OrchardWorld, delivering a wide selection of global fruit varieties to leading UK and European retailers.
