Former chairman of Associated British Foods and a member of one of grocery's most famous dynasties, Garry Weston has died, aged 74. He leaves two sons in the business: George, ABF deputy chairman and chief executive of Allied Bakeries, and Garth, who heads Ryvita. The son of the late Garfield Weston, a supermarket and food manufacturing legend, Weston served on the ABF board for 51 years and was chairman for 33 years, stepping down in December 2000. ABF was financially weak when Weston took over, but he swiftly turned the company around, taking it from strength to strength. When he retired, ABF was recognised as one of the most solidly financed FTSE 100 companies. Current ABF chairman Harry Bailey said Weston would be "greatly missed by all those who worked with him and for him". Weston created one of the largest charitable foundations in the UK ­ Whittington Investments, which donated money to various charities, including £20m to the British Museum. He is also credited with inventing Ryvita and Wagon Wheels biscuits. ABF products include Allinsons and Kingsmill bread, and Twinings teas. The company also owns British Sugar, which makes the Silver Spoon brand, and the Primark clothing store chain. The Weston family also recently took Fortnum and Mason private, buying out the remaining 10% of shares owned by outside investors. {{NEWS }}

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