The entrepreneur, innovator and former Managing Director of Greenyard UK has dedicated his entire working career to the fresh produce industry; leading numerous companies to success.
The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) – the UK’s fresh produce trade association – is honoured to announce that Alan Forrester has received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the FPC Fresh Awards 2022, which took place last Friday (16 September) at The JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London.
Alan has been involved in the fresh food industry for 40 years, working across produce sourcing, retail buying, and in-store management. Ever the entrepreneur, Alan has been instrumental in helping to establish and expand numerous businesses, including his own successful import company Frucasa.
Beginning his career at Asda, Alan subsequently worked at the Nottingham Co-operative, Tesco, and ParknShop in Hong Kong. Next, Alan moved to the supply side of the industry; serving in managerial roles at Geest, Frucasa, and Greenyard UK, which became one of the top 10 produce businesses in the country.
Alan is also credited with helping to form the strategy for Asda’s sourcing arm, International Procurement and Logistics (IPL), and working tirelessly with The Fairtrade Foundation to give small growers a route to market. Since leaving Greenyard UK in 2019, Alan has helped to steer various start-up businesses worldwide. He continues to serve as the FPC’s chairperson.
Nigel Jenney, CEO of FPC, explains: “Over the last four decades Alan’s contribution to the fresh produce industry has been both outstanding and exemplary.
“As well as being a successful entrepreneur, Alan has openly shared his time, experiences and insight for the benefit of the entire industry. His role within the FPC has proven to be extremely valuable and respected; acting as a voice and champion for all sectors of the membership and industry.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Alan for many, many years, and he is well deserving of the FPC’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Alan Forrester comments: “It is very humbling to be recognised in this way at the FPC Fresh Awards 2022. I am proud to have been involved in an industry that I have enjoyed and respected for over 40 years.
“Commercially, I have endeavoured to add value to the trade across my various managerial positions, while, personally, I have strived to give something back to this great industry, especially through my role at the FPC and now with start-up companies.”
Celebrating Success
The FPC Fresh Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of fresh produce and floral businesses as well as those individuals involved in trading with the UK market; from the best growers and suppliers to the finest service providers, exceptional marketers and distinguished personnel from across the globe.
This year’s edition took place at The JW Marriott Grosvenor House, an historic 5-star hotel on Park Lane in London on 16 September 2022. Around 600 guests attended the unmissable date in the produce industry’s calendar.