A FORMER brand management director for a children’s book publisher has become a franchisee for leading vegetable box producer Riverford Organic Farmers, delivering to customers across York and surrounding areas.

York-born Eleanor Fletcher’s new role is a departure from her previous career in children’s publishing in London, before she returned to York with her young family this summer.

“Taking on the Riverford franchise is a big career change for me," she said. "I had lived in London for 16 years but after we started a family my husband and I wanted a different way of life and a fresh challenge.

“I’m having a great time exploring York – the food scene is amazing. I come from a foodie family – my brother is chef/patron at The Brackenbury in London and I’m passionate about great food and cooking. As Riverford customers for many years, we have a true appreciation for the amazing product range so when the opportunity to work with the producer arose we seized it.”

She added: “I’m joining Riverford at an exciting time – earlier this year the company became employee owned and customers really love what Riverford stands for – local produce, great flavours and freshness delivered to their door. It’s what makes Riverford so special.”

She is married to Tim, a teacher, and the couple have a young daughter.

The Riverford box scheme began when farmer Guy Watson converted his first field into an organic one and started delivering vegetables locally to friends in his 2CV. These days, they deliver around 50,000 boxes a week to homes across the UK from our regional farms.