Waitrose appoints new buying manager for horticulture
Waitrose has appointed Emma Coupe as buying manager for horticulture.
Currently Waitrose buyer for flowers, Coupe will take up her new role on 2 December when the current buying manager Sue Steptoe retires.
Steptoe has worked with Waitrose for 36 years in roles which included dairy buyer and assistant to the managing director. In her current role, she oversaw the successful relaunch of Waitrose’s horticulture offer in April.
Waitrose said that Coupe’s remit will be to continue to drive momentum in the category which has seen sales increase by 16% in the year to date. Having joined Waitrose in 2011, she will manage a team that includes Victoria Mason, the newly appointed garden plant buyer, and Allison Burdett who will become flower buyer on 2 December.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Paul Walker, Waitrose director of chilled prepared, bakery & fresh produce, said: “Sue’s commitment and hard work is reflected in the fantastic sales uplift we have seen in the last year. I would like to thank her for leaving the category in such good shape and wish her all the best for the future.
“I know Emma and the team will build on this success and drive the category to new heights in the months to come.”
