British Berry Growers (BBG) has today announced that their Chairman, Nick Marston, will step down from the role later this year, following nine years at the helm of the industry body. 

Mr Marston will help guide the process of sourcing and appointing his successor to lead the industry body, which represents more than 95 percent of British berries sold in the UK. 

Mr Marston was appointed Chairman in November 2017 and has been a long-standing and highly respected figure within the berry sector for more than two decades. 

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 Mr Marston's leadership, the UK berry industry has continued to expand its economic contribution, with the industry now worth over £600m in GVA (Gross Value Added) and supporting more than 16,000 jobs across the country, according to analysis carried out by EY1. 

Mr Marston 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 Marston commented: "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. 

"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."

Lochy Porter, Director and Deputy Chair of British Berry Growers, added: "Nick has been an outstanding Chairman and a tireless advocate for 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."

British Berry Growers 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.

An Eden Search representative added: "British Berry Growers plays a vital role in representing one of the UK's most dynamic fresh produce sectors. We are delighted to be supporting the Board in the search for a new Chairman and look forward to identifying a leader who can build on the strong foundations Mr Marston has established and help guide the organisation through its next phase of growth."

Mr Marston will remain in post until later this year to support a smooth transition to his successor.