‘True grocery industry legend’ Clive Beddall has died after a short illness, at the age of 83.
Beddall worked on The Grocer for 38 years, including eight as editor, and was widely acknowledged as a giant of trade journalism, receiving an OBE for services to the food industry in the 2003 Queen’s New Year Honours as well as a PPA special achievement award for outstanding contribution to business journalism in 2002.
Former colleagues, industry and PR professionals have paid tribute to Beddall, whose talents as a journalist went hand in hand with his ability to build relationships founded on trust and mutual respect.
Julian Hunt, who followed Beddall as The Grocer editor in 2002, called him “a true industry legend – a wonderful colleague and friend to many grocery folk – and a great mentor for me”.
“His passion for the sector, and The Grocer’s role as its critical friend, was deeply infectious,” he added. “I can recall when he was (supposedly) on holiday in Ireland and tasked me to keep him updated throughout on a scoop he had landed about Princess Anne’s support for GM foods (which was at odds with her brother’s views). The story was picked up everywhere. I have no idea what the Irish hoteliers must have thought of all the faxed pages of newspaper stories whirring into their offices that week – but I think it made Clive’s vacation! Just one example of his pride in, and support for, The Grocer’s quality journalism.
“Clive was also an enthusiastic adopter of new ideas. Sure, he loved a gadget! But he also led The Grocer into new areas – like our daily broadcast shows at trade exhibitions, our first moves into the internet and, of course, the much-loved GrocerTV initiative.
“Rest well my friend. You will be missed. By us all.”
Tributes to a ‘giant of a man’
Beddall moved to The Grocer as northern news editor in 1964 after working on the Lancashire Evening Post. His first entry into journalism was with the High Peak Reporter.
After he was promoted to The Grocer’s markets editor, Beddall succeeded Tony de Angeli as editor-in-chief in 1994, and his relaunch of the publication in 1997 helped The Grocer to win the PPA’s Business & Professional Magazine of the Year in 1998. He retired from The Grocer in 2002 but was appointed editor-at-large. Beddall built a reputation for his journalistic integrity, his support for the UK grocery industry, and championing of British food and drink exports, as he travelled extensively while representing The Grocer on every continent.
“Clive was not only a great editor for The Grocer, but he was dedicated to the grocery trade and respected by all for his insight and quality journalism,” said William Reed exhibitions MD Andrew Reed. “He was an incredibly loyal man, to not only his own family but also to his work family, William Reed, and always gave 100% to any of the many projects he worked on during his long and illustrious career with the company.”
During his time at The Grocer he also proved an inspirational figure for a host of journalists who saw him as a mentor.
The Morning Advertiser editor Ed Bedington said: “Clive was a giant of a man both in stature and personality, a larger than life character that certainly enriched my life and career.
“I first met him when interviewing him for a feature for another magazine, and subsequently found that he was actually interviewing me when he offered me a job on The Grocer at the end.
“Clive was also responsible for my long stint covering the meat industry. I remember him bounding out of his office and declaring to the team ‘who wants to go to Brazil?’
“All hands went up before he added ‘and spend a week visiting slaughterhouses…?’ I was the only one still with my hand up.
“Clive was my introduction to the world of business journalism, and it was quite the induction, one that set me up for a fantastically rewarding career that I’ll be eternally grateful to him for.
“His loss will be felt keenly by all who knew him, not least by his lovely wife and family. My thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
Richmond & Towers director Simon Mowbray, whose journalism was also positively influenced by Beddall at The Grocer, said: “A great man who will be sadly missed, and the instigator of my favourite job interview ever… as he combined his passions of The Grocer and cricket to interview me over a pint outside Lord’s Cricket Ground. I owe Clive a huge debt of gratitude. Thoughts and love with Margaret and family.”
Clive died on 11 December. He is survived by his wife Margaret, his children Sue and Martin, and his grandchildren Olivia, Daisy and Adam.
His funeral will be held at Arun crematorium, Yapton at 1pm on 2 January 2026. All are welcome, no black ties, family flowers only.
The service will be followed by a wake at The Oystercatcher pub, Climping, where the aim will be to celebrate Clive’s life and do his reputation as the “host with the most” proud.
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