Galen and George Weston, whose family interests include ABF the Kingsmill to Primark conglomerate as well as stakes in Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason, were once again the highest ranking food and drink figures in The Sunday Times Rich List, out last week.

The Westons, whose 21% stake in ABF is valued at £1.77bn, were also among the highest climbers on the list, with valuations up by £1.5bn to £6bn.

Conversely, former Morrisons boss Sir Ken Morrison ranked 64th and worth an estimated £1bn, was the third-biggest faller on the list, his fortune dropping an estimated £506m due to controversial share disposals.

Among the 13 wholesalers listed, Bestway boss Sir Anwar Pervez was highest placed, rising 29 places to 138th, with an estimated wealth of £550m.

Discounters also put in a strong showing, with the families behind Wilkinson (166th), TJ Morris (174th), Poundstretcher (430th), Farmfoods (559th) and Poundworld (817th) all making the list. Iceland's Malcolm Walker was 418th, with his fortune growing by £9m to £166m.