Norman Collett, the eponymous founder of the prominent UK topfruit marketing company, has passed away after a short illness aged 80.
Collett was a well-known and popular figure in the English topfruit industry and a champion for the fruit growers of Kent.
His entire working life was within the industry, starting at Stokes Bomford in the West Midlands and later moving to Henry Arnold in the London markets.
When, in 1977, Henry Arnold was in trading difficulties, John Bardsley, chairman of MKG and Adrian Scripps approached Norman with a view for him to continue representing them and the other members of Mid Kent Growers and Spymark groups.
From a small unit in the side of the old Henley yard came a trading business active on the wholesale markets, and with the advent of direct retailer relationships Norman was quick to forge agreements with J Sainsbury, taking the company into a new era of trading.
When retirement called in 1997, Norman worked closely with his successive directors to ensure that the company continued with the same duty of care to their growers. Throughout his retirement Norman continued to take an interest in the company and the industry as a whole, always attending farm walks, the national fruit show and company events.
A company statement said: 'He will be missed by everyone who knew him.'
