THE Great Cornish Food Store has announced that Richard Bain is joining as managing director alongside founder and driving force Ruth Huxley, who plans to retire in 2026.

The employee-owned store, based next to Waitrose in Truro, was established by Ruth in 2016 as a showcase for the best Cornish produce and sources from around 200 local suppliers. The business also creates and delivers a development programme for the wider agrifood industry of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Richard will lead the team of around 40, managing the store and championing Cornwall’s top-quality food and drink. He brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having held key positions in food manufacturing with well-known brands: he came to Cornwall initially to take up the role of production director at Ginsters, and has been operations director at Bodmin-based Buttermilk Confections for the past three and a half years

“I’m excited to join the team at the Great Cornish Food Store and take on the opportunity to work with the whole community of food and drink producers across Cornwall and Scilly,” said Richard.

“Ruth has developed a great business with experienced teams both in the store and within the strategic development sphere. I’m honoured to build on this work to develop the brand, the sector and be a champion for this region’s food and drink.”

Ruth moved to Cornwall with her family and husband Dave 25 years ago. After several years working as a specialist food researcher and market analyst, in 2010 she founded the influential network Cornwall Food & Drink, boosting Cornwall’s reputation as the UK’s number one food spot outside of London.

When Waitrose planned a new supermarket in Truro, their search for a partner to run the store next door inspired Ruth to pour her heart, soul and lifesavings into creating the Great Cornish Food Store. It remains the only UK local food hall to share its premises with a major supermarket.

Today the store is well established as a premier showcase of superb food and drink, from Bodmin Moor grass-fed beef and fresh-picked local veg to citrus gin from the Isles of Scilly. It has also become an important part of the local food economy, generating millions for local producers and preserving important food skills.

In 2022 the business transitioned to employee ownership, in a bid to sustain the store and its ethos beyond Ruth’s tenure.

Ruth said: “I am delighted that Richard is joining us. He has vast experience in the food and drink sector in Cornwall and beyond. He was the stand-out candidate when we were searching for someone to take the business forward by bringing fresh impetus, new ideas and strategic leadership.

“We have a great team and I know that everyone is looking forward to working with Richard. I will be handing over the reins next year with full confidence that under his leadership the business will continue to go from strength to strength.”