Veteran Tesco produce buyer Roy Maynard has won an award for demonstrating innovation with Finest potatoes in what is considered to be a very mature market.
The award was presented by Tesco commercial and marketing director Richard Brasher, pictured left with Maynard, at the supermarket’s commercial and supplier conference held at the Excel centre in London’s Docklands on October 4.
Fellow Tesco buyer Martin de la Fuente said Maynard was given the accolade “as much as a Lifetime Achievement award as for his product innovation”, having worked for Tesco for more than 23 years.
Maynard, due to retire in a few months’ time, joined Tesco from his family produce business based at Western International market. He held a number of retail support functions until joining the buying team about 20 years ago.
De la Fuente said: “Roy is one of the most respected buyers in the industry and has bought almost all products in produce over his 20 years, often know affectionately as ‘The Farmers Friend’.
“Roy has spent the last seven years buying potatoes and helping to run the Tesco vegetable business.
“Roy is a popular regular, and can be found keenly running the Tesco stand at the Royal Agricultural Show every year, together with various other county shows around the country.”
