Food Brokers, which looks after the distribution of major brands including Smint, Masterfoods’ milk drinks and Fox’s confectionery, has parachuted John Ensall in as chief executive to revive the company’s fortunes following a difficult 2004.
Industry sources describe Ensall as a turnaround specialist, although little is known of his credentials in the food industry apart from that he was formerly chief executive of a shopfitting business dealing with supermarkets.
While Victor Cracknell retains the title of chairman and his brother Toby remains involved with the day to day running of the business, sister Vivienne has relinquished her post as trade relations manager to focus on her presidency of the Confectioners Benevolent Fund.
Toby Cracknell said it was no secret that 2004 had been a tough year for the business as it grappled with supply problems.
Food Brokers has since parted company with its former distributor and signed up a new logistics partner.
The last full year report filed for Food Brokers shows that in 2003 it suffered a substantial drop in sales and incurred significant pre-tax losses.

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