JP Fresh is already busy updating its lorries to highlight the achievement of British Olympic gold medallist rower, Andy Hodge, pictured with his medal.
Hodge, who is sponsored by the Dartford-based operator, won the coxless fours with team mates Steve Williams, Peter Reed and Tom James, thanks to an incredible late surge that powered them past the Australian crew in the last few metres of the race.
Bananas played their part in the months and years of preparation leading up to the race, however. JP Fresh marketing director and fellow Molesey Boat Club member Dickon Poole often personally delivered the box of fruit a week that Hodge and his crew consumed when they were in training.
Poole said: “We’ve tried to do a little to support in our own way. Andy Hodge is the epitome of health and fitness. It is nice to do our bit, and hopefully the bananas have helped him to step into the limelight of Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent.”
Poole is co-ordinating JP Fresh’s own way of hanging out the bunting for Hodge’s return. “We are in the middle of changing the livery on our lorries to congratulate Andy on winning the gold medal and we will be talking to him when he comes home about continuing support,” he said.
JP Fresh hopes to capitalise on Hodge’s banana connections. “He is banana powered,” said Poole, “and we will be looking to maintain that relationship going forward.”
