The boss of Cornwall’s Prima Bakeries has died after a short illness at the age of 60. Mark Norton had been at the helm of the employee-owned bakery firm since 2010 when his family took over the company.
He ran the Scorrier-based business – famed for its pasties by post – alongside general manager Ross Buist, who is the third generation of the founding Buist family to be involved in the firm, which was established in 1978.
Prima is the only county-wide wholesale baker and pasty maker, with more than 500 customers including convenience stores and independent retail outlets, pubs, hotels, cafes, and restaurants. The business has 200 bakery product lines.
The company said on Thursday: “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Mark Norton, managing director of Prima Bakeries Group, following a brief illness. Mark was a devoted husband to Lynne and a proud father to Emma and Sam, as well as a well-respected figure in the business community of Cornwall and beyond. He will be missed by all who knew him.”
The business, which includes biscuit specialist Furniss of Cornwall, Cornish Premier Pasties and Prima Bakeries, will continue under the existing management team, the company said.
Details of a memorial for Mr Norton will be released at a later date.