Jones named as new boss at Co-operative Farms

Kate Jones has been appointed head of The Co-operative Farms, one of Britain’s biggest farming operations.

Jones, who was previously head of commercial food product offer for The Co-operative Group, has taken over the reins of the group’s farming business from Christine Tacon, who recently left after 11 years in the farming role.

In her previous role, Jones oversaw the complete rejuvenation of the retailer’s own-brand food range. In her new role she will continue to oversee the development of The Co-operative own-brand range, which includes produce grown on Co-operative farms, or products using ingredients grown on Co-operative farms.

She joined The Co-operative from Iceland six years ago, having spent 16 years at Marks & Spencer in various senior operational and buying roles.

“The Co-operative Group is unique in being the only major food retailer with its own commercial farming operation,” said Jones. “A key part of my role will be to ensure that we deliver an improved produce proposition for our customers through the delivery of great quality British produce.”

The Co-operative Group’s farming business comprises 14 farms, covering 50,000 acres, growing fruit, vegetables and cereals. It is aiming to supply 25 per cent of all Co-operative fresh British produce by 2015. It also has four packhouses which pack potatoes, broccoli and fruit, based in Staffordshire, Kent, Angus and Dundee.