Andrew’s produce career began with some of Queensland’s best independent retailers. His training included all facets of the retail business from sourcing and supply through to merchandising and marketing. With an already well-rounded skill base, Andrew joined Inter-Harvest to begin looking more closely at supply arrangements and produce marketing.

He joined Carter & Spencer in 1989 at a time of unprecedented change within the horticulture industry and was appointed to manage the procurement and distribution of the full range of products for the newly built Carter & Spencer Distribution Centre in Townsville.

Focussing on buying direct from growers as opposed to the traditional method of using the central market system, Andrew developed a strong network of more than 110 grower relationships across the country that could fill the needs of the business across a 12 month season. This was a detailed process that involved extensive research into all suppliers with only those aptly equipped to manage such arrangements making it into the supply base.

As Coles began to express their desire for a high quality product on a consistent basis, C&S expanded the Townsville program nationally with the group responsible for sourcing all Queensland grown product for distribution to the 7 Coles DC’s across the country. From a standing start, the turnover reached just over $80million per annum at the height of the direct programs.

As more growers were transferred into the next stage of direct buying with Coles, Andrew focussed his attention on diversifying the Carter & Spencer business, all with the principal of direct grower relationships as the pivotal point. Andrew developed a network of wholesale and secondary wholesale agents to handle the additional supplies from growers as well as looking internationally to support this with an export program. Andrew developed the groups export business focussed on the Asian rim areas.

Andrew proved his worth as a logistics specialist after vigorously pursuing and executing the development and implementation of the group’s logistics operational system which was the first of its kind to be approved and endorsed by the Queensland Department of Transport when the new legislation was introduced. His depth of understanding in this arena allow C&S to draw on his knowledge to provide a complete solution to both customers and suppliers by maximising freight consolidations whilst adhering to times and weights.

As the business grew, it was clear that Andrew’s strengths were in developing the more difficult growers, programs and plans and taking them through to a profitable outcome. A change in management style to focus on a simple version of category management saw Andrew take on the vegetable portfolio and northern fruit areas. As part of the development of these lines, Andrew instigated, researched, planned and executed the successful establishment of a grading and packing facility in Bundaberg.

Andrew’s portfolio has continued to expand in range and depth with a team of 3 spread across the state. Some recent personnel additions will allow Andrew to focus on the next stage of diversification, growth and consolidation.