Who We Are

Wolds Produce was established in 2004 on the chalky soils of the Yorkshire Wolds, an area well known for its quality seed and ware potatoes. Set up originally by Simon Foster and Simon Tootell - Simon Tootell the MD having worked for many years in the pre-pack potato business, and Simon Foster continuing to run his family farming business at the top of Garrowby Hill. Chris Cummins joined the company in 2007 as the third Director, adding his considerable expertise to managing our processing contracts for the food industry.

The Company has grown significantly since 2004 and now with an annual turnover exceeding £7 million, we move over 70,000 tonnes of potatoes each year.

Our People

The 3 directors have over 70 years’ experience in the potato industry. Simon Tootell and Chris Cummins are involved in the day to day running of the business, with the third director Simon Foster running his family farming business on the Yorkshire Wolds.

Simon Tootell – Managing Director - 07795 597703

Simon started life in the potato industry 30 years ago immediately after leaving school. He has had many jobs within the sector – everything from fork lift truck driver to pack-house Manager, then moving on to Commercial Manager and more recently in 2004 setting up and running Wolds Produce with Simon Foster. Simon enjoys skiing and shooting in winter, and also spending time with his wife Sarah and young son Oliver. His favourite variety of potato is Desiree.

Chris Cummins – Sales Director – 07834 541057

Chris has worked for many years in the industry before joining Wolds Produce in 2007. He is responsible for our processing contracts, dealing directly with the food industry processors and the farmers growing on our behalf. He enjoys mountain biking and spending time with his family.

Simon Foster – Seed Director – 07850 840940

Graham Bennett – Trading Manager – 07799 898277

Graham started working at Wolds Produce Ltd in September 2008 having been involved in agriculture since leaving school, working for a well known machinery dealership in the UK. Graham now looks after Wolds Produce seed growing operation which grows over 200 Ha of seed on the Yorkshire Wolds. He is also involved in  sourcing high quality packing potatoes from the UK.  In his spare time he enjoys shooting and mountain biking.

Steve Cummins – Trader

Tim Foggin – Commercial Manager – 07827 333956

Tim looks after the finance, legals, marketing, HR and other back-office operations for Wolds. He has over 20 years’ business management experience in a variety of financial services and business advisory roles. Tim likes to play golf and tennis and spend time with his young sons. His favourite crisps are cheese and onion flavour.

Paul Ryan – Warehouse Manager – 07917 528555

Paul manages our 13,000 tonne capacity stores at Pocklington and has a wealth of experience in storage, warehouse operations and logistics. He works with his warehouse team to keep a daily check on our stock of potatoes, along with Colin White who has come out of retirement to provide us with over (20) years’ experience of looking after potatoes through the dark winter months! Paul likes golf, football, mountain biking, Scuba diving and would like to gain his private pilot’s licence. His favourite crisps are Wasabi flavour.

Andy Burton – Technical Manager, Wolds Agronomy Ltd

Andy offers technical services to growers to help maximise their profitability, as well as managing all aspects of our agro-chemical business. Andy has spent many years in agriculture working with potato equipment at Kverneland, and then as potato agronomist at Greenvale in Yorkshire. His favourite crisps are beef flavour.

Jo Gardner – Office Manager – 01759 305627

Jo manages all the back office activities that are required to support the business, dealing with all invoicing and purchasing queries. Jo’s background is in financial services working in a number of different roles involving people and project management, and joined Wolds Produce in 2010. Outside of work Jo loves to spend time with her family and friends and enjoys cooking, walking and playing squash. Jo’s favourite way to cook potatoes is to roast them in goose fat!