Help Torquay's Frank Mann make 2025 its brightest year yet

A longstanding Torquay wholesaler is gearing up for what could be its most exciting year yet.

Established in 1948, the Frank H Mann Group is one of the largest independently owned fruit and vegetable suppliers in the South West of England.

Hidden in plain sight beneath the historic Brunel Tower on Newton Road, Torquay, the company has reliably delivered fresh local produce and exotic imports to Devon retailers, hotels, schools, care homes, and residents for the past 76 years.

Frank Mann also operates Devon Fresh, a home delivery service that took extra care of the community during the most uncertain period of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of its plans for growth, the company is preparing for its largest recruitment drive in history, offering a wide range of roles, including sales, driving, order picking, and quality control.

Part-time positions will form the backbone of the new intake, but some full-time roles will also be available as the business continues to expand.

Penny Davies, Head of HR, said: “The team at Frank Mann has the family business ethic of working together. We're invested in each other, we tap into people’s skills and strongest areas, and we utilise them in the work that they’re passionate about doing. 

“It’s a lovely place to work, and being personally invested in the business comes naturally to those that stay with us for a long time.”

Frank Mann's produce is carefully stored in its warehouse

Frank Mann has grown considerably over the past fourteen years since transitioning to new ownership outside the original family, however, its core values of first-class quality, exceptional customer service, and commitment to selling local produce have been unwaveringly upheld.

Anne-Marie Clarke, Frank Mann’s Managing Director, said: “Regularly eating fruit and vegetables is incredibly good for your health, and we’re passionate about promoting that message.”

The company’s focus on sustainability and waste reduction is another hallmark of its operations.

They have built a particularly strong relationship with Too Good To Go, a mobile application that connects customers to restaurants and stores that have surplus unsold food and also works closely with local charities. 

Frank Mann prioritises supporting local growers and sources as much produce as possible directly from farms in the surrounding area. 

Penny said: “As families, we don’t eat seasonally like we used to. We try our best to encourage people to turn back to the benefits of eating locally and seasonally.”

One of the ways Frank Mann achieves this is by helping hospitality businesses plan menus based on which produce is currently most available and cost-effective.

Their produce is often so fresh that what’s harvested on a Monday morning could be on customers’ plates by Tuesday afternoon. 

This level of freshness allows Frank Mann to offer food that not only tastes better but also stays fresher for longer.

Another unique feature of the company is its prep department, where customers can order vegetables pre-peeled, chopped, or even made into coleslaw.

Devon Fresh is equally customer-focused and maintains close ties with local schools.  

The team conducts school visits, delivering presentations and taste sessions to teach children where their food comes from and how to prepare and cook it.

Penny said: “We hope to make Frank Mann and Devon Fresh household names again and that younger people will associate us with a healthier diet, learning how to cook, and knowing where their food comes from.”

Frank Mann also invests heavily in tailored training for new starters, offering genuine opportunities for growth and long-term career development across all departments.

Recruitment open days will be announced soon, but in the meantime, those interested can contact their recruitment department at recruitment@fhmann.co.uk