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Better Food founder steps away after 42 years
The founder of Better Food is stepping back from his role as managing director after being at the helm of the business for more than 40 years.
Phil Haughton says now “is the right moment” for “a new chapter for the business”.
Craig Hawthorn is the new managing director of Better Food, which has four shops across Bristol in St Werburgh’s, on Whiteladies Road, Gloucester Road and Wapping Wharf.
Haughton opened Real Foods Supplies in 1984 on Gloucester Road and in 1992 launched an organic veg box scheme called Phil’s Better Food Campaign, with the first Better Food shop opening on Sevier Street in St Werburgh’s in 2002.
“In those early days we stocked everything we could find that was certified organic,” Haughton wrote in an email to customers.
“That meant travelling around the country in my little van collecting produce directly from farmers.
“Beautiful unpasteurised Welsh and Staffordshire cheeses, superb fresh vegetables from Somerset, lamb and beef from the Quantocks, biodynamic yoghurt from Winford, to name just a few.
“My mission then is the same as it is today. To make organic food available to as many people as possible and to tell the stories of the farmers behind it, helping reconnect people with their food and with the soil that produces it.
“Over the years the business has grown but the purpose has never really changed. The need to move away from chemical farming and towards more organic methods feels more important today than ever.
“Better Food will continue working hard to bring you the best organic foods we can find and to maintain those connections back to the farms and soil that support our health and wellbeing.
“After more than forty years working in and around the business I have decided that the start of April is the right moment for me to step back from the role of Managing Director.
“Craig Hawthorn will take over as managing director, working alongside a brilliant team of managers who care deeply about Better Food and the community we serve.
“Craig has been closely involved in the business and will now lead the next chapter of Better Food, continuing our commitment to organic farming, strong relationships with farmers and suppliers, and shops that genuinely connect people with good food.”
The first Better Food shop opened in St Werburgh’s in 2002 – photo: Martin Booth
Haughton added: “I am turning 68 this year and it feels like the right time to slow down a little.
“I have no shortage of things to keep me busy. More pottery, continuing my work with the charity Heart of BS13 as chair, helping with a farming project I hope will transpire and, importantly, finding more time to walk, read and write.
“Better Food has always been a little different. Even within the organic world we have tried to stay close to our roots, working directly with farmers and producers not just to keep food flowing but because we believe in building a community around better food and a better future.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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