The 15 richest Brits in drinks
18th May, 2020
by
Edith Hancock
13. John Apthorp and family
John Apthorp
Position 2019: 504
Position 2020: 518
Worth: £268 million
Rise/fall: +£7m
Sources: Wine, Food
Mr Apthorp, 82, was a founding member and managing director of the family business of frozen food stores Bejam, eventually selling the chain to Iceland in 1989 for £70m. He also co-founded Wizzard Wines (now Majestic Wine), which his family has a £32.5 million stake in. The company announced a profit warning in September 2016 which led to a 25% decline in value of its shares, following its purchase of Naked Wines.
Already an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Apthorp was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2014 New Year Honours for charitable services.
Majestic Wine was sold for £95 million last year, giving Apthorp’s remaining 15% interest in the company a boost.