Richard Emanuel, a long-time professional in the UK fruit trade who worked for both Optimus Fruit and Gilgrove at New Covent Garden Market, has passed away at the age of 43.
Born at St Helier Hospital on July 8, 1982, Richard grew up in Sutton and Tadworth, attended local schools, and later The Ashcombe School in Dorking. While not academically inclined, he was an avid football player and a supporter of AFC Wimbledon.
© New Covent Garden Market
After leaving school at 16, Richard began his career at Dave's Bananas, a retail and wholesale business. Six months later, he joined Optimus Fruit, following his father Paul and cousin Philip, both part of a family with multiple generations in the Covent Garden wholesale trade. He later moved to Gilgrove, where he gained experience in importing and wholesaling, which helped shape his understanding of the sector.
In 2002, Richard left the market to work with his father at Poupart's Epsom office. Philip joined them in 2004, and together they managed a successful operation supplying wholesale markets across the UK. Richard subsequently joined Total Produce and later Fruesh, which became Allfresch. He had worked at Allfresch for 12 years and passed away in Spain while on a business trip for the company.
Andrew Sperling, Managing Director at Allfresch, described Richard as "a joy to work with" and noted that "he had never met someone so young with his range of abilities in the fruit trade." Richard was skilled in both procurement and sales and developed a global customer base. From his early days selling small quantities of bananas in Surrey, he grew to manage container shipments of bananas and exotic fruits to markets as far as Kuwait, Tibet, and Iraq.
Philip Emanuel said Richard faced challenges with alcoholism, adding that Andrew Sperling supported him by keeping his position open during his recovery periods.
His funeral was well attended, and his family expressed gratitude to those who had shown their support and respect. Richard is survived by his son Freddie, parents Pat and Paul, and brother Tom.
© New Covent Garden MarketFor more information:
Covent Garden Market Authority
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7720 2211
Email: [email protected]
www.newcoventgardenmarket.com
