British Berry Growers has announced its chairman Nick Marston will step down later this year.
Marston led the organisation from November 2017, having been a highly respected figure within the berry sector for more than two decades.
He will help guide the process of sourcing and appointing his successor.
“It has been a privilege to serve as chairman of British Berry Growers and to support our hard-working growers during a period of such change for the sector,” said Marston. “I am immensely proud of what the industry has achieved over the past eight years, from continued growth and innovation to the way growers have responded to increasingly complex challenges with resilience and ambition.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of working alongside such committed businesses, board members and colleagues, and I remain very optimistic about the future of British berries.”
During his tenure, he has played a central role in championing British growers, strengthening British Berry Growers’ voice with government and retailers, and steering the industry through a period of significant growth.
Under Marston’s leadership, the UK berry industry has continued to expand its economic contribution, with the industry now worth over £600m in gross value added and supporting more than 16,000 jobs across the country.
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He also oversaw the transformation of the association from British Summer Fruits to British Berry Growers in 2022, ensuring the organisation more clearly reflected the breadth, ambition and future of the sector it represents.
“Nick has been an outstanding chairman and a tireless advocate for British berry growers,” said Lochy Porter, director and deputy chair of British Berry Growers. “Over the past nine years, his leadership, integrity and deep understanding of the sector have helped strengthen British Berry Growers’ influence and impact at a critical time for our industry.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Nick for his dedication and service, and for the strong foundations he leaves behind as we look to the future.”
BBG has already started the process of appointing a new chairman, supported by executive search specialists Eden Search.
The incoming chair will take on an expanded brief, reflecting both the scale of the opportunity ahead for the sector and the need for strong leadership as the industry navigates future growth, investment and policy priorities, the organisation said.
Marston will remain in post until later this year to support a smooth transition.
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