Tom Bartlett is the Trading Manager for Salad and Vegetables at Fresh Direct, the UK’s largest produce wholesaler in foodservice, bringing 14 years of food buying experience. He has spent the past eight years with Fresh Direct and previously worked in retail procurement for Co-op.

Two years ago, Tom began exploring vertical farming in response to increasing food security concerns, driven by unpredictable weather patterns and the potential impact of border restrictions on product availability. During this time, he has observed the sector evolve, with larger-scale operators emerging as specialists in growing high-quality fresh herbs and babyleaf while optimising shelf life.

For Fresh Direct and its customers, the journey into vertical farming has been an exciting journey, identifying the best-suited products for this innovative method. Looking ahead, Tom is focused on understanding how vertical farming can contribute to more sustainable supply chain solutions, ensuring a resilient and reliable future for fresh produce.