Name: Ali Capper
Job title: Executive chairman
Company: British Apples & Pears
What was your first job? An account executive at an advertising and marketing agency.
What’s been your worst job interview? The Nuffield Farming Scholarship interview – it was very tough, a panel of eight who grilled me for an hour. I was over the moon to receive a scholarship.
What was the first music single you bought? The Boomtown Rats – I Don’t Like Mondays.
How do you describe your job to your friends? Varied! I have a number of different roles within the horticulture and farming sector – I thrive on variety.
“I’d love to see buyers really get behind British when it is in season (which is all year round) and not just for British Food Fortnight”
What is the most rewarding part of your job? A job well done, whether that is giving evidence to the House of Commons; producing a thought piece for the industry on plastics or sustainability; meeting with government and retailers to ensure they understand the challenges facing the sector; talking to British growers and farmers; or producing high-quality hops and apples here at home. It’s all rewarding!
What is the least rewarding part? Admin!
What is your motto in life? I have two mottos: rise above it and do not lower yourself to the same level (this is useful when faced with unprofessionalism).
The second is: for every problem there is a solution. I’m very focused on finding solutions for not only the personal challenges but also for those challenges facing the sector.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? A helicopter to fly to Kent… I spend a lot of time criss-crossing the country. I have an electric car and use the train a lot but neither are ever fast enough!
Do you have any phobias? Moths.
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? To end “transactional” relationships and see buyers seeking British provenance as a priority from growers that they want to partner with and showcase.
I’d love to see buyers really get behind British when it is in season (which is all year round) and not just for British Food Fortnight.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? A library and a bath with bath salts and bath oil.
What animal most reflects your personality? Our dog – he’s brave, determined, kind and caring.
What’s your favourite film and why? Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom had a profound effect on me.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Not recognising Dame Floella Benjamin!
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Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? I have worked with Raymond Blanc – he is passionate about British apples and the most wonderful chef and businessman.
I would have loved to have known Dr Michael Mosley, such a humble and clever man – the simplicity of Just One Thing really resonated with me, especially when he backed the ‘apple a day’ message.
What would your death row meal be? Local, British rare roast rib of beef, roast potatoes and at least five different seasonal vegetables followed by a British apple and rhubarb crumble with fresh double cream.
Accompanied by a British hopped beer, ideally from our own brewery here on the farm.
Interested in finding out more about food & drink careers? Check out GrocerJobs for the latest vacancies
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