Big Change Ahead at Truro’s Great Cornish Food Store

Richard Bain Joins as Managing Director

The Great Cornish Food Store in Truro has announced that Richard Bain is joining as managing director, working alongside founder Ruth Huxley. The news was shared today (10th November).

The employee-owned store, located next to Waitrose, was established by Ruth in 2016 as a showcase for Cornish produce. It now works with around 200 local suppliers and employs a team of about 40 people. The business also delivers a development programme for the wider agrifood industry across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Ruth, who plans to retire in 2026, 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.”

A Career Steeped in Cornish Food

Richard brings significant experience from the food manufacturing sector. He first came to Cornwall to work as production director at Ginsters under the leadership of the late Mark Duddridge, who went on to become Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership until his death in 2023.

He joins the Truro-based store from Bodmin’s Buttermilk Confections, where he has been operations director for the past three and a half years.

Richard said:

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

Richard first met Ruth while serving on the Cornish Pasty Association board, where he began developing a broader understanding of Cornwall’s food industry and the benefits of collaboration among smaller enterprises.

Ruth’s Legacy

Ruth moved to Cornwall with her husband Dave and their family 25 years ago. After working as a specialist food researcher and market analyst, she founded Cornwall Food & Drink in 2010. The small team helped boost Cornwall’s national reputation as a leading food destination.

When Waitrose announced plans for a new supermarket in Truro, Ruth decided to create a complementary store next door, pouring her heart, soul and life savings into what became The Great Cornish Food Store. It opened on 16th June 2016, the same day as Waitrose, and remains the only 100 per cent local food hall in the UK that shares premises with a major supermarket.

You can find out more about the store at https://greatcornishfood.co.uk/.

Championing Cornish Produce

Today, the store is a well-established showcase for the best of Cornwall’s food and drink, from Bodmin Moor beef and locally picked vegetables to citrus gin from the Isles of Scilly. It plays a key role in supporting the local food economy, generating millions for Cornish producers and preserving traditional food skills.

In 2022, the business became employee-owned to ensure the store’s ethos continues beyond Ruth’s retirement.

With Richard now stepping in as managing director, the store enters a new chapter, continuing its mission to celebrate and support Cornwall’s food and drink community.

📷Ruth Huxley welcomes new MD Richard Bain to The Great Cornish Food Store. - Photo Credit: Sally Mitchell