Neil Turton is to step down as Sugro managing director on 19 April.

The former Nisa chief executive joined the wholesale buying group in September 2018 and had initially planned to depart the role in May 2020. However, he decided to continue leading the company through the pandemic.

The firm is undergoing a recruitment process for Turton’s replacement. Commenting on his departure, Turton said: “Sugro has performed exceptionally well in 2021 as we did in 2020. It is well-placed for the future as an independent and entrepreneurial buying group. I’ve very much enjoyed three-and-a-half years working with the members, the board and the Nantwich team. Sugro is in a strong place and a natural home for independent wholesalers.”

The departure comes as Sugro achieved a 16% increase in annual turnover throughout 2021. Confectionery sales were up 37% year-on-year, with soft drinks and snacks seeing respective growth of 26% and 10% during the period.