Russell Burgess, one of the best-known names in the UK potato and vegetable sectors has died, aged 89.
Russell along with his two brothers Stanley and Roly, founded Russell Burgess Ltd in 1946. The company was formed to market the produce grown on the family farms around Peterborough. Russell was one of the pioneers in the industry being one of the first in the UK to wash and pre-pack potatoes from the site in Yaxley.
In the 1950s, he established the strong “Burgee” brand in the wholesale markets before starting to supply own-label packs for the supermarkets in the 1970s.
He retired in 1977 - handing the reins over to his nephew David Burgess.
Through mergers and acquisitions the business has changed into Produce World Ltd, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of fresh produce to the retail sector. “Russell’s strong values still hold true in the business of Produce World Ltd which stands as a great monument to those “Burgee” brothers of yesteryear,” said William Burgess.
He was an avid follower and participant of country sports and in later years enjoyed watching cricket whilst keeping up to date with farming developments, particularly the potato market.
Russell leaves two daughters, Linda & Sally, and four grandchildren. His wife Gladys, died six years ago. Four of his great nephews are now continuing his legacy within Produce World - William, Jason and Andrew (Burgess) and Henry Brown.
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