About us

Established in 1870, George Perry Ltd is one of the UK’s oldest and most established fresh produce businesses.

From our beginnings trading in Birmingham’s historic wholesale markets, we have evolved into a modern importer and wholesaler supplying retail, catering, education and distribution partners across the Midlands and throughout the UK.

For over 150 years, our reputation has been built on quality, trust and long-standing relationships — values that continue to define our business today.

From Market Roots to Modern Importer

George Perry began trading in Birmingham’s New Market in Bell Street in 1870, originally supplying game, potatoes, vegetables and local fruit. Historical records of the company now reside in the Black Country Museum — a testament to our enduring place in the region’s commercial heritage.

In the early 1970s, the business was acquired and rebuilt during a challenging period. Within months, the company was stabilised and growing once again. Under family leadership, George Perry adapted to the changing demands of the produce sector — integrating full category supply under one roof and expanding into wider retail, catering and specialist markets.

Today, we operate as a £20 million independent Midlands business, combining heritage strength with modern sourcing capability.

Global Reach. Local Agility.

We import a significant proportion of our produce directly from growers and trusted partners across Europe and global source markets. These long-established relationships provide control over specification, continuity and quality — while maintaining the flexibility and responsiveness of an independent business.

Based in Birmingham, at the heart of the UK’s motorway network, we are ideally positioned to serve customers efficiently across the Midlands and nationwide. For local partners, we are often able to respond and deliver within hours when required — a level of agility that protects availability and reduces operational risk.

Our facilities include dedicated banana ripening rooms, allowing precise colour management and consistency across high-volume programmes.

Compliance & Responsibility

George Perry Ltd operates with robust governance and supply chain transparency, including:

• SALSA accreditation

• Full pesticide reporting

• Complete product traceability

• Anti-slavery and ethical sourcing policies

• Comprehensive health & safety standards

We understand that modern supply demands not only quality produce, but responsible and accountable sourcing.

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Our Commercial Team

At the core of George Perry Ltd is a highly experienced and forward-thinking commercial team, bringing together over 200 years of combined fresh produce expertise.

Our structure blends long-established market knowledge with the energy and perspective of a new generation of industry professionals — ensuring both continuity and progression within a sector where experience remains invaluable.

Paul Tate – Managing Director
Overseeing strategic direction, sourcing partnerships and operational growth.

Mark Tate – Director
Supporting long-term commercial development and customer relationships.

Tom Burton – Sales Team Leader
With over 20 years’ experience in fresh produce, Tom leads our sales division with strong category insight and service focus.

Matthew Carroll – Head of Bananas
Bringing 40 years of industry expertise, Matt oversees our banana category and ripening programme, ensuring precision, consistency and waste control.

Steven Kennedy – Sales & Procurement
With 30 years’ experience and specialist knowledge in eggs and vegetables, Steven strengthens continuity across key staple categories.

Chris Fitzpatrick – Sales & Procurement
With a background in education and 10 years’ experience in produce sales and procurement, Chris provides valuable understanding of catering and school supply requirements.

George Tate – Sales & Commercial Development
With a legal degree background and three years’ sector experience, George contributes to compliance, contractual oversight and future commercial strategy.

Three members of our seven-strong commercial team are under the age of 35 — an uncommon profile within the fresh produce sector. This balance of established expertise and emerging leadership ensures the business remains progressive while safeguarding the relationships and knowledge built over generations.

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Looking Forward

While our history spans more than 150 years, our focus remains firmly on the future.

By combining heritage, global sourcing capability, category expertise and rapid local service, George Perry Ltd continues to evolve — supporting customers with stability, responsiveness and trusted partnership.

George Perry Ltd — trusted produce partners since 1870.