Martin de la Fuente is to retire from Tesco after 24 years with the UK’s number-one supermarket chain.
Half of that time has been spent in the produce-buying department, across a variety of product categories, after an initial 12 years in non-food and grocery.
He will retire from his current position of senior buying manager for top fruit and ambient fruit on June 6, to be replaced by David Croxson, who returns to the produce department after a spell with the Tesco Express team.
Alex Dower, Tesco’s category director - produce, said: “I would like to thank Martin for his significant contribution across many areas of the Tesco business.
“During his time in top fruit, Martin has led the revival of British apples, seeing sales double. He has also led the development and marketing of many new lines such as Finest Jazz apples together with new British varieties such as Cameo and Kanzi. Whilst working in produce, Martin also re-launched our prepared salad and vegetable ranges.”
De la Fuente will certainly be remembered for his bullish pursuit of increasing British apple sales across the Tesco store network, and has in fact presided over that 100 per cent expansion in just three years. However, he told FPJ: “I hope my achievements are not all about top fruit, but also about 12 years in produce. I drove massive growth in our vegetable business and introduced the ‘Unwashed Salad bag’ to Tesco. I also managed to deliver significant savings in veg, salad and fruit without driving suppliers out of business. I’d like to think I’m reasonably well respected as a buyer, not because I’m a wonderful fella, but because I’ve been honourable in all of my dealings with the supply base.”
Dower added: “David will start the handover process imminently. I wish Martin the very best in his retirement and congratulate David on his new role."
For a full exclusive interview with Martin de la Fuente, read next week's FPJ.
