Food Management Today is sad to report the passing of Sir David Samworth, founder and life president of   UK food manufacturer Samworth Brothers.

Samworth Brothers has confirmed that details of a thanksgiving service will be circulated in due course.

Mark Samworth, current chairman of Samworth Brothers (Holdings) Ltd and Sir David’s son, said that David and John Samworth’s “vision, drive and values [had] laid down the strong foundations of [the] business and which drove such outstanding success.”

He added that Sir David had helped “shape the modern food industry over a long and successful business career” and also “gave distinguished service in many other roles, including as a philanthropist, public servant, soldier and devoted family man.”

When Sir David stepped down as Samworth Brothers group chief executive in 1999, the company’s revenue had grown from £1 million in 1977 to £200 million. Today, the Group is a £1.4 billion turnover business.

Champion of regional foods

Sir David also played an active role in the wider food sector throughout his career. He served as chairman of the Meat and Livestock Commission from 1980-84, receiving a CBE for his work, and was a council member of Food From Britain. For some years he was president of the BMMA (now BMPA).

He was also a non-executive and later executive director of Imperial Group from 1982 to 1984 and a non-executive director of Thorntons Ltd from 1991 to 1993. 

Mark Samworth said: “David was a strong champion of traditional regional foods, supporting the successful applications for Protected Geographical Indicator status for Melton Mowbray pork pies and the Cornish pasty.”

Sir David and his wife Rosemary set up the Samworth Foundation in 1978 with a desire to give back to their local community and to support other international causes, particularly in Africa.

Education was always a particular interest for Sir David and the Samworth Foundation has supported the establishment and development of three Academies in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire as well as other international education projects.