Our Team

HANNA CROUCH | COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

I fell in love with food at the age of five. It has been my number one love ever since. I remember accompanying Mum to long lunches at the The Walnut Tree, a Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in Welsh countryside.

My appreciation for real produce was born there, in the heart of Abergavenny, where I still call home. I looked forward to this weekly ritual, where the chef would hand me an amaretto biscuit before leading me into the kitchen for a sampling of seasonal ingredients he’d foraged or sourced that week. I couldn’t tell you what excited me more, the amaretto biscuit or the anticipation of the taste sensation that awaited me.

I later developed a long-standing relationship with Vin Sullivan’s, a local fine food shop where Mum worked, where I was taught to pluck pheasants, stuff chickens, and truly experience gastronomy at the source.

“I grew up picking fresh produce like sweet peas from a pod. That’s how I know food. I didn’t grow up with packeted stuff.”

Naturally, my career developed around food. From my first job at a gastro pub (where I lied about my age) followed by The Bell at Skenfrith which won many awards, to later promoting Welsh produce for John Sullivan, I paved my way towards a future in food culture.

I was introduced to the superyacht industry in my early twenties, where I ended up provisioning to some of the world’s largest yachting operations. There I met Matt, my colleague and now business partner, whose expertise was in the wine and spirits industry.

After twelve years of hard work for someone else, Matt and I decided to take a leap of faith. With all the experience and knowledge behind us and our complimentary skill sets, we decided that only opportunity lay ahead. It was time to seize it.

Being able to share my passion for food with those who can benefit from it is my purpose.

Being able to call my customers my friends is a luxury I feel thankful for every day.

MATT DANE | CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

I have always enjoyed working with people. I am inquisitive, curious and genuinely interested in other people’s stories. Connecting with them at a personal level, understanding their needs and being able to fulfill them is what drives my satisfaction. I am an analytical, meticulous seeker of perfection. It is no wonder my career developed in the hospitality industry.

I discovered my passion for service during my first summer job at Wimbledon where I started as a drinks boy and worked my way to the VIP bar and restaurant.

My career in service evolved from being a client manager at FMCGs (including Haribo – my favourite sweet of all time!) to managing a chain of private pubs and jazz venues. I also achieved my dream of one day owning a cocktail bar, House of Tipler, of which I still am a partner today.

The superyacht element came later on, when an opportunity to develop the drinks division of a provisioning company presented itself. Eager to rise to a new challenge, I seized it. I learned everything there was to know about this fascinating industry over my decade there with Hanna.

We evolved together, working endless summers from buying, packing and truck-driving to cutting orders and planning entire galley fills for newly built yachts.

We conquered every challenge imaginable, which sparked the idea of starting Ocean Pantry. We were determined to build a company that could do it better than anyone else.

Our goal is to become the Number 1 supplier in the yachting industry not only for our expertise in food, drink and interior goods but in our profound knowledge of planning and logistics.

“I am here because I enjoy meaningful exchanges and being able to serve our clients – enabling them to get exactly what they want gives me a great sense of pride.”

FIONA DENNEN | CLIENT MANAGER CARIBBEAN

I have been around boats all my life. My career began as a sailing instructor, where I lived on board teaching teamwork and self-sufficiency to unemployed youth. I then became a chef on board yachts, working with my husband who is a captain. After 12 years sailing around the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central and South America, we finally settled in Antigua to raise a family.

I have been here fifteen years and now manage Client Services for Ocean Pantry in the Caribbean. I previously worked with Hanna and Matt and was thrilled to join them when the company was formed.  

I love meeting new people and introducing them to Ocean Pantry; walking them through the process and how it works. Every season I look forward to watching boats sail into Falmouth and English Harbor and catching up with clients that return for the season, many of whom have become friends.

When I am not running around visiting clients on the dock, I am often at the beach with my children, swimming and snorkeling. And of course, cooking and sharing my passion for food with those around me!

KERRY BEGADON | PURCHASING

Based in London, Kerry coordinates the purchasing of all goods for orders leaving from the UK and the rest of the world. Having worked in the industry for over a decade, including with Hanna and Matt, Kerry has built sound relationships with all suppliers and is an absolute weapon at managing the purchase process!

Having supplied food to many Michelin star chefs in her previous role, Kerry loves to explore and discover the London restaurant scene. 

When she isn't eating, buying or selling food, Kerry loves to travel and visit friends around the globe. And to keep things in balance, she also tries to fit in a zumba class every now and again!