Long-established Bristol herbs and spices manufacturer Bart Ingredients is to have a new-look senior management team from April when its chief executive officer becomes non-executive chairman.
David Collard, who has been CEO for more than 12 years, will be replaced in the role by the firm’s chief commercial officer Adams Sims on 1 April.
Meanwhile, sales director Patrick Pace is also set to retire from the business after 11 years. He will remain at the company on a part-time basis until his replacement is appointed.
Pictured: Departing CEO David Collard, left, with Adam Sims, who will take over the role in April
Barts, which was founded in Bristol in 1963 by husband and wife Reg and Jo Bartlam, said the business had boomed under David Collard’s leadership, particularly during the pandemic.
As a result, two years ago it relocated to a new 167,000 sq ft warehouse development in Severn Beach after outgrowing its factory in Bedminster, where it had been based for 37 years.
The firm’s 150-plus products – which range from ground allspice to gin botanicals and za’atar seasoning – are sold via online retailers such as Ocado and in supermarkets, including Morrisons and North of England group Booths.
Its first major retail client was upmarket chain Waitrose, which began stocking its bouquet garnis in 1975.
The firm was acquired from the Bart family by private equity firm Langholm Capital in 2010 and went on to diversify into organic and Fairtrade products.
Four years later it expanded into the pastes and sauces market after acquiring the assets of Berkshire-based OTP Foods in a multi-million pound deal.
In 2017 it was bought by Germany’s Fuchs Gruppe, the world’s largest privately-owned spice producer, for an undisclosed sum.
David Collard said: “It has been a privilege to lead the business and work with so many amazing people under the ownerships of both Langholm Capital and now the Fuchs Gruppe.
“This is an exciting time for the business. As we enter 2024, the team is well-placed to drive the next phase of growth. On a personal note, I would like to thank everyone that I have worked with for the support shown to me and Bart over the years.”
Ahead of becoming CEO in April, Adam Sims has assumed the role of deputy CEO.
Since joining Barts Ingredients nine years ago from Dairy Crest he has worked in a number of roles at the firm in areas such as business development, finance and category insights.
He described being appointed CEO “an absolute honour”, adding “stepping into this position comes with a profound sense of responsibility.
“However, with the support of an incredible team and the capabilities within the Fuchs Gruppe, I am excited about the future.”
