Stokes has been buying sauces and condiments for Waitrose for six years, having worked for the group for 11 years. Prior to taking on this role, he worked in a number of other areas, including confectionery and biscuits. The aspect of the category he likes the best is the diversity of both brands and products. He also appreciates the wide range of suppliers, which, he says allows the ability to develop interesting ranges to appeal to all customer groups. He has found developments in own label in the past year particular exciting.

?Sam Nundy Senior buying manager, soups and table sauces Tesco



Before joining Tesco in 2000 as a graduate, Nundy gained experience by spending his placement year in Sainsbury's grocery department. In six years with Tesco, he has had various roles, starting as a junior analyst for the commodity division, then joining grocery. He took on his current role just after Christmas last year.



?Rich Squire Buyer for counter meat and fresh meat sauces Sainsbury's



Squire has been in his current role for a year, but has been with Sainsbury's for ten. He worked in produce, as the in-store bakery buyer for a year in 2001 and was then seconded to an operational role in bakery, a job he did for three years. Before joining Sainsbury's, Squire ran several art galleries in London.



?Helen Bissell Buyer for ambient desserts, pickles, olives, and health, Tesco



Bissell joined Tesco two years ago, straight from university on the commercial graduate training scheme. She was store-based for three months before becoming a buyer for slimming and anti-smoking aids, health foods and diagnostic kits. She moved to ambient desserts, pickles, olives and gherkins earlier this year, and has since also taken on condiments.



?Louise Jones Buyer for cooking sauces Sainsbury's



Jones has worked at Sainsbury's for five years, and has been the cooking sauces buyer since October 2005. Since joining, she has been involved in buying for several categories, including table sauces, dressings, rice and pasta, homebaking and health foods. Before coming to Sainsbury's, she spent two years working for Ford Motor Company on its graduate scheme.



Andy Schefer Buying manager, rice, pasta, desserts, baking, Asda



Schefer has only been in his current role for three weeks but his sauce nomination comes from his work in a previous role - that of buying manager for condiments and cooking, which he held for just under two years. He has been working for Asda for 12 years altogether but his earlier buying experience was in the non-trading areas, such as facilities.

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