PREMIUM MEETS: SAMUEL GAROFALO
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
How long have you been working at Premium Food and what different roles have you held within the company? What is your role now?
I’m now into my second year in Business Development. It’s a rewarding role that allows me to support multiple areas of the company and help improve the way we work across the board.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Premium Food?
The company culture, no question. It’s professional but down-to-earth, people genuinely care. Plus, the team-building activities aren’t your usual trust falls and flip charts; they’re actually fun, somewhat insane.
Who has inspired you the most throughout your career?
Back in my chef days, it was the executive chefs who stood out. They worked like machines, stayed cool under fire, and managed to lead with a sort of Zen precision. That discipline and calm has definitely stuck with me.
Have you always worked in this industry? If not, what other roles have you held?
Not quite. I started at 14 working in a garden center and pulling pints at a conservative club. Then I trained as a plumber, got my CORGI licence, and promptly swapped spanners for spatulas. After 11 years cheffing in London, Japan and Thailand, I made the leap to live here, moved into food distribution, and haven’t looked back in over 8 years. It’s been a wild, rewarding ride.
What’s the best advice you could give someone who’s just starting out in their career?
Take the time to figure out what genuinely makes you tick. However, if you’re only chasing money, become a hedge fund manager and save yourself the trouble.
What are some of the accomplishments you’re most proud of?
Getting engaged to the love of my life! Life achievement unlocked.
If you could only eat one thing from Premium Food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Marrazzo San Marzano Tomatoes, sunshine in a tin.
What's something you're truly passionate about or enjoy doing in your free time?
Golf. I’m hooked. I’m taking lessons, playing once a week, and mentally on the course even when I’m not. It’s the most beautiful form of self-torture, just when you think you’ve cracked it, it humbles you again. But if you keep your head calm and your swing steady, the game gives you magic back.
What’s one interesting fact that we might not know about you?
I can speak to dolphins. Well… they have never corrected me.
Describe a funny moment from your time at Premium Food that still makes you chuckle.
Honestly, we laugh every day, it’s one of those places where the energy is always high and the people are properly spirited. But the antics during team-building games are a constant highlight. I always have to dress as a woman for some reason, I guess its funny
