06. Becky Balderstone

British

Founder, Ripe Organic

Becky Balderstone started off the Ripe business in 2011 with ‘seasonal veggie box’ deliveries prepared from one of her farms, and quickly grew the Ripe concept into what it is today – a retail brand running weekly farmers' markets, four retail stores and online store in Dubai, as well as deliveries of fresh, organic fruit, vegetables and a wide range of other organic products across the UAE.

As well as a source of local produce for chefs in the UAE, the initiave served to educate consumers and trade professionals  about the source of their produce.

At the core of Ripe’s philosophy is supporting not only local business owners, but also giving back to the wider community.

Having opened three farm shops and launched the Ripe Own label range, Balderstone looks forward to expanding on Ripe’s own label and opening more farm shops across the region.

NUMBERS GAME...

Number of years working in the Middle East: 11

Number of years working in the F&B industry: 06

Employees: 65

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