In 2004, the business was established as European Salad Company before later renaming as European Speciality Foods. Tim Garrett leads the team at our base in New Covent Garden Market.  He is a veteran in the business, who started working for the Roux brothers - the legendary chef family - at the age of 18 and has been trading in New Covent Garden Market for 25 years. He works alongside the rest of the market team.  "I think everyone here would say I've always been straight and honest," says Tim.  He thrives on the buzz of the fruit and veg business. "I knew within five minutes this is what I want to do." 

Nick Griffin is the company's expert buyer based just outside Paris.  He has also spent a lifetime in the trade and works between the wholesale markets in Paris and Milan and liaises with partner growers across Europe. Nick's wife Jackie helps to manage the French side of the business. 

Gaelle Purdue works with the team and is based in Brittany. Her role is to make direct sales to a wide range of customers across the UK, sourcing fresh produce directly from countries including France, Belgium, Spain, Morocco and Egypt. She says: "I buy whatever the customer needs and respond to demand and any shortages in England. I love my job: it changes every day. You wake up in the morning and you never know if something is going to be very short. The skill is moving quicker than anyone else. One day I remember I was even sourcing butter as there was a dire shortage in England!" 

Tessa Knowles is our buyer in Italy, who makes the trip to Milano market each week.