London, UK: Andrew Roberts, commercial director of Bidfood and a former board member of the British Frozen Food Federation, died over the Easter weekend.
Roberts, pictured above, gave nearly 30 years to the UK foodservice industry and was passionate about frozen food.
He joined Booker Cash & Carry in 1994 where he assumed the role of buying controller before being seconded to Booker Foodservice to head up the buying team.
He continued with the company after Booker Foodservice was sold to Bidvest in 1999. In 2015 Andrew progressed to the role of commercial director overseeing the buying, campaign and activation, studio and events functions, and in 2018 was appointed to Bidfood’s senior leadership team, where he remained until the present day.
Richard Harrow, chief executive of the British Frozen Food Federation expressed ‘great sadness’ at the death of Andrew Roberts.
Harrow said: “Andrew was a great supporter of the BFFF and served as a non-executive director on the board for 5 years. When I joined the Federation, Andrew kindly invited me down to the Bidfood offices where he spent time with me, helping me understand the Out of Home market.
“His enthusiasm and passion for the industry was always evident. He also knew how to have fun and I can still see him with his team at the People Awards in 2020 – revelling in the evening and enjoying every moment.”
“Whilst it is a well-worn phrase, Andrew really was larger than life. It was a pleasure to have known him and I am personally saddened by his passing.
