>>john hendy, commercial director, tryton foods

John Hendy had his work cut out when he returned from holiday last week and found some of his company’s Aunt Bessie’s products were caught up in the Sudan 1 crisis.

But he says that everyone at Tryton Foods can now wipe their brows as the cottage pie, filled Yorkshire pudding and stew that contained the affected Worcester sauce are now safely back on shelves.

Hendy is the commercial director of Tryton Foods and has big ambitions for the Aunt Bessie’s range - he is planning to double the size of the brand over the next five years.

Even without the Sudan 1 crisis this would be the most intensive time of the year for the company, says Hendy. He explains that although the roast eating season is in its final few weeks, an early Easter trading period is about to begin and the company’s focus is on promotional and advertising plan management.

Hendy says his job is about managing all commercial activities of the Aunt Bessie’s brand, which is worth £120m and growing 14% year-on-year.

“I spend around 70% of my time on customer activities - either visiting customers or reviewing strategies with my team,” says Hendy. “The rest of
the time is involved with brand plans, agency meetings and licensing issues.”

He adds: “I work with an enthusiastic team of directors with responsibility to grow the Aunt Bessie’s brand through manufacturing, licensing and co-pack arrangements.”

Hendy also has daily discussions with his national accounts team and marketers and manages key licensee relationships, including Heinz, Headland Foods and Cheviot Foods.

“Like many fmcg businesses we have to constantly manage business performance in what can be a roller-coaster ride for product demand,” says Hendy.

He is always looking at new ways of promoting the range with retailers - the latest challenge is to get the Aunt Bessie’s brand into meal deals.
sudan scare adds to workload as tryton gears up for easter

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