Industry veteran and “beloved” member of Bradford Wholesale Market tenants’ association Peter King has passed away after losing his battle with lung cancer.
King’s 48-year association with Bradford’s St James Market began when he moved from being a retail buyer, to owning his own retail business, before joining wholesaler JW Swithenbank as a salesman in the 1970s.
He is described as being key to the firm’s growth over two decades, eventually becoming a director, and developing key links with UK strawberry growers, Canary Islands tomato producers and specialist Spanish citrus suppliers.
In 1998, King established P&P King, based on St James Market, in partnership with his son Paul, which went on to become a leading wholesaler in the region.
He was a “great ambassador” for the market, according to family friend and director of Burbank Produce, Johnathan Kershaw, and during his role as president of the tenants’ association he represented traders at national conventions, and continuously worked “to enhance the reputation of the market as a relevant and important part of the fresh produce industry”.
King was also a passionate charity fundraiser and while president he helped to raise significant funds for local charities and for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Kershaw said King was a “one-off special character that the industry will truly miss”.
“His enthusiasm and love for the industry was legendary and he will be sadly missed by all those who were fortunate to have known him,” Kershaw added.
