Let's create a healthier more sustainable future for everyone
We envision a world with a more sustainable fresh produce supply-chain, where food wastage is dramatically reduced and consumers everywhere have access to fruits and vegetables in peak condition. We are committed to providing products and solutions that benefit all stakeholders across the fresh produce value chain – from growers all the way to the end consumer.
A new beginning for better tasting, longer lasting fresh produce
Moving fresh produce to markets where it’s needed is incredibly challenging, and can be fraught with delays and disruptions. Our people bring experience from across a wide range of industries, enabling us to create packaging solutions that readily integrate, extending the condition of fruits and vegetables for longer, reducing wastage and delivering better outcomes for the industry and the planet.
Tristan has held multiple leadership roles at food, packaging and technology companies. This includes Commercial Director roles at both GAIL’s Bakery and Notpla. Most recently he was part of the Notpla Earthshot prize winning team, commercialising novel single use plastic-replacement products made from seaweed. He has a background in consulting and other technical industries, across Europe, North America and Australasia. He holds degrees from the University of South Australia and an MBA from London Business School.
Simon Hollingsworth
Financial Director & Company Secretary
Simon has extensive experience within the technology sector, with a proven track record of driving growth and profitability with extensive experience in fund raising, M&A and post-acquisition integration. He has previously held leadership roles at VBI, Triscan Systems, Liaison Group and iotaSciences. Simon is a qualified account certified by the Chartered Institue of Managment Accountants (CIMA).
Adam Edkins
Operations Director
Adam holds a wealth of knowledge in packaging materials, coating and printing processes. His background and experience have been invaluable in the development of our technologies and their deployment in marketable delivery systems.
Jorge Garcia Van Gein
Global Sales Director
Part of the
team
Jorge is an agronomist with extensive experience in the fresh produce industry. He has previous experience working at companies such as AgroFresh and Dow AgroSciences. Jorge has a Bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Universdad Mayor as well as post-graduate qualifications from the IESE Business School.
Justin Creasy
Technical Services Director
Part of the
team
Justin has vast experience in the fresh produce industry, specialising in cultivar management. He has worked in leadership and technical support positions including roles at Wealmoor and Barfoots of Botley. Justin has a Bachelor’s degree from Wye College.
Jon Barfoot
Strategic Accounts Director
Part of the
team
Jon has extensive experience within the international fresh produce industry. He has worked in retail category management for Barfoot’s and has further experience in start-up food brands. Jon holds a Bachelor’s in Marketing Management from Brunel University as well as a Strategic Leadership qualification from Cranfield University.
Antony Greenwood
Retail & Consumer Consultant
Part of the
team
Antony has extensive experience in commercial leadership, driving growth in fresh produce and healthy food categories. With board-level expertise and blue-chip training, he excels in strategic customer relationships, negotiation, and team leadership. Passionate about innovation and sustainability, Antony delivers insight-driven strategies that create value for businesses and consumers across global markets.
Jasmine mullins
Financial Controller
Jasmine is an accomplished finance professional with 20 years of experience, including over a decade in the manufacturing sector. She is a qualified accountant and a proud member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Nicolas Shaw
Marketing Associate
Nicolas brings marketing expertise across retail, food and agriculture sectors. He joined It’s Fresh in 2023, played a key role in developing and launching the RYPEN brand, and now shapes marketing communications that connect the company with customers and partners. Nicolas holds a Master’s degree in Branding and Advertising from Nottingham Trent University.
Claire Hutchings
Accounts Assistant
Claire has over 38 years’ experience supporting busy finance functions, delivering accuracy, efficiency, and reliability in every task. She has extensive experience in managing daily financial operations, ensuring invoices and payments are processed promptly and precisely. A strong communicator and dedicated team player, Claire’s expertise and positive approach make her an invaluable part of the It’s Fresh finance team.
Jay Mistry
Operations Manager
Jay joined It’s Fresh in 2018 as a Lab Technician, playing an integral role in developing and testing the RYPEN product range before progressing into the Operations Manager role. Working with Adam, he now oversees efficient product manufacturing and delivery across key regions through reliable supply chains. Jay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Sheffield Hallam University.
Michael Coates
Head of R&D - Data, Trials & Innovation
Michael leads product development within the R&D team, heading up the laboratory team and data analytics side of the business. Michael has implemented a business-wide scientific ethos, ensuring that It’s Fresh delivers repeatable and measurable results, driving value within the fresh-produce sector. Michael hold a Masters of Research and a BSc, and joined It’s Fresh in 2015.
Luke Purle
Senior Lab Technician
Luke brings expertise from pharmaceutical and medical laboratory settings, combined with a strong, current knowledge of theoretical chemistry. He has led the development of COSHH systems, laboratory standards, and contributed to process optimisation. Holding a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Birmingham, Luke joined It’s Fresh in 2023.
Oliver Sales
Lab Technician
Oliver is an analytical specialist with expertise in Gas Chromatography and process development. Since joining It’s Fresh in 2021, he has led efficacy trials on new and existing RYPEN products, optimising solutions for maximum performance and developing our QC framework. Oliver has helped set rigorous laboratory standards, and aids with continuous improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.
Anna Hinton
Post-Harvest Technical Services Assistant
Part of the
team
Anna joined our team through the MDS training scheme, a programme that develops future leaders in the food, fresh produce and agriculture sectors. Passionate about sustainability and the future of responsible food production, she is excited to begin her career in the industry and gain hands-on experience. Anna has a degree in History and Archaeology from Cardiff University.
Lianne Jones
General Manager | South Africa
Part of the
team
Lianne is part of the leadership team at It’s Fresh, driving commercial strategy and partnerships to deliver sustainable postharvest solutions. Since joining in 2023, she has leveraged extensive experience in fresh produce and global supply chains to champion the RYPEN technology across South Africa and regionally.
Elmarie Potgieter
National Account Manager | South Africa
Part of the
team
Elmarie has over 20 years’ experience in the agricultural packaging sector, working closely with producers, brands and packhouses. Recognised for strong relationship-building skills, long-term client development, and a deep understanding of the market needs. Proven ability to drive sales growth, manage key accounts and deliver tailored solutions that support both operational efficiency and customer success.
Andre Carstens
Regional Operations Manager | South Africa
Part of the
team
Andre has more than 15 years of experience in South Africa’s fruit export industry and has worked for leading exporters across multiple roles. Starting in logistics, he gained 8+ years of expertise in supply chain operations from packhouse to receiver. His hands-on experience includes 4 years in packhouses, developing strong knowledge of fruit handling and quality control. In recent years, Andre transitioned into commercial sales, building global customer relationships and delivering tailored solutions to meet diverse market needs.
Nina Bougas
Head of R&D – Biochemistry & Business Development | South Africa
Part of the
team
Nina is a member of the R&D team at It’s Fresh, applying her expertise in food science to lead on our institutional trials. She implements trial set-up, assessments and summary findings across multiple crop types, bringing cellular and molecular biology insights to practical postharvest challenges.
Jessica Putter
Customer Projects Manager | South Africa
Part of the
team
Jessica has extensive experience within the agricultural sector, specialising in postharvest physiology and freshness solutions for global supply chains. With a BSc in Food Science and a background in product development and quality assurance, she is passionate about driving sustainability and delivering innovative approaches that enhance quality and reduce waste across the fresh produce industry.
Alan Llambiaas
Customer Projects Manager | South Africa
Part of the
team
Alan brings decades of expertise in the fruit industry and international trade. As Country Manager for Chile & Peru, he drives and grows our RYPEN brand across Latin America. A graduate of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso in Agricultural Engineering (Fruit Production), Alan leverages his deep horticultural knowledge to strengthen partnerships and deliver value to growers and retailers.
Pablo Guzman
Sales Manager | Chile & Peru
Part of the
team
Pablo is an Agricultural Engineer from the University of Chile, with broad experience in fresh fruit production and post-harvest management. He has worked with leading companies such as Unifrutti and AgroFresh, contributing technical expertise in fruit quality and preservation for export markets. He holds a postgraduate degree in Commercial Management and Sales, complementing his technical background with a strategic and solutions-oriented approach.
Camilo Lopez
Postharvest R&D & Technical Services | LatAm
Part of the
team
Camilo is a biochemist and plant physiologist specializing in postharvest fruit quality in both fundamental and applied sciences. He has led projects on ethylene production and control, and shelf-life extension for pome fruits, stone fruits, and berries to reduce food waste. He holds a PhD in Plant Physiology from the University of Barcelona (Spain), a Master’s from Université Pierre et Marie Curie (France), and a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Graham Ellis
CEO & Investor Director Partner, Agri-FoodTech Venture Capital at Praesidium
Graham is an experienced investor and executive with a strong background in the commercialisation of new technologies and products in human nutrition, animal feed, aquaculture, renewable fuels, and chemicals. He is an active Non-Executive Director and has previously helped Ocean Harvest Technology Group plc, Arborea, TerraVia, and UOP/Honeywell. Graham has a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from Chicago Booth.