Jamie Oliver's company Fresh Retail Ventures is set for expansion after appointing Patak's David Page as managing director.

Page will join the company in April from the Indian food supplier, which announced it was up for sale this week (see p30). Page was managing director at Patak's for 16 years.

"It's fair to call Fresh Retail Ventures a small business but I'd like to think we can double its size every two to three years," Page said. "The board and Jamie Oliver believe I've got the experience to help the young team develop."

Fresh Retail Ventures was established in 2005 and sells and distributes the Jamie Oliver Italian range of pasta sauces and antipasti, as well as rubs, flavoured sugars, oils and salts. Its food products will also be launched soon in major markets within Continental Europe.

Page said new products were on the horizon but refused to give further details on additions.

"The majority of Jamie's products are Italian. We're looking to see where his brand resonates with UK consumers and in other countries. There's opportunities to build on existing products but there are new opportunities as well."

Fresh Retail Ventures also distributes Jamie Oliver branded non-food products worldwide via arrangements with names such as Tefal and Royal Worcester.

Page takes over from Tara Donovan, who has been standing in as managing director while in her own role of chairman. "David has proven his ability in the retail business and we are delighted to have him working with us," said Donovan.

Fresh Retail Ventures had new products in mind and territories still to be targeted by its sales team. "David's arrival comes at the perfect time," she said.



"I'm approaching the end of my career," Page added. "I've done a good job with Patak's and it is time for something else."

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