Industry in shock, as MKN's Stuart Brereton passes
Members of the foodservice and hospitality industry have been left in shock and sadness, after the supplier MKN announced the passing of Stuart Brereton.
Brereton, who was a longstanding member of the MKN family for 17 years, and a mainstay of the foodservice industry throughout his career, died unexpectedly on 25 November.
Loved and admired by so many in the industry, he has been described as a ‘giant of a man’, ‘warrior’ and ‘absolute rock’ by friends. He was known throughout the sector for his wit and laid-back smile.
"It is with great sadness and deep regret that MKN announces the death of Stuart Brereton, who unexpectedly passed away on 25 November," says Georg Weber, MKN CEO. "His death has left a huge hole, and he will be fondly remembered by many who had the privilege of working with him. The wider catering industry will be poorer for his passing."
Glass half-full
Brereton's career began with brewery and retail catering experience, before working with the publisher Dewberry Boyes, where his wide-ranging industry contacts were forged.
Equally relaxed with business leaders, catering distributors, Michelin-star chefs and school cooks, his style was said to put everybody at ease. He was a regular chef and demonstrator at worldwide exhibitions and judged industry competitions, including LACA School Chef of the Year in his capacity as Public Sector Manager for MKN.
"Stuart was a very close friend to H2O Publishing and many of our team," says Jamie Robbins, MD of H2O Publishing. "Like many, we have been rocked by this tragic news and will miss him, his positivity and his smile immensely."
'Stu B', as he was often known, lived life with a glass half-full mentality and treated everyone as an equal. A love of travel, food cultures, golf and football meant he was never short of a good story. A loving husband, a proud father, a family man and one of the 'brothers Brereton' clan.
"The MKN family has lost a great friend who will be deeply missed and never forgotten," adds Weber. "The thoughts and prayers of everybody at MKN are with his family at this sad time."