Six appointments have been made to an industry board which aims
to grow, promote and enhance the reputation of the Welsh food and
drink sector
The members of the Food and Drink Wales Industry Board will
engage with the businesses throughout the country and Welsh
Government to help see continued growth as Welsh food and drink
thrives both at home and abroad.
The six appointments are:
Professor , Chair of the Food and Drink
Wales Industry Board.
Director of the Food Industry Centre, Cardiff
Metropolitan University
David began his career in the food industry in the laboratories
of a major bakery based in Cardiff. He then worked in
various parts of the UK for a variety of major food companies as
Technical Director.
In his current role, at the Food Industry Centre, David works
closely with both the private sector and Welsh Government.
He advises on issues affecting the sector and has also influenced
the Welsh Government’s Food Policy.
Mrs Alison Lea-Wilson, Deputy Chair of
the Food and Drink Wales Industry Board.
Joint owner of The Anglesey Sea Salt Co Ltd
In 1997, Alison and her husband David, started the Anglesey Sea
Salt Co Ltd. They have built it up and it is now one of the
main Welsh food products exported to around 15 countries.
The business has attracted at least 30 awards including gaining
3*** Golds in the Great Taste Awards.
Miss Alison Harvey
Agri Supply Chain Advisor – Rural Advisor Co.
Alison has over 15 years’ experience successfully delivering high
level customer service, project management, communications, and
knowledge exchange across the UK red meat sector. During
that time, she has also developed a range of skills and knowledge
within the industry, notably in the areas of supply chain
management, export and working with farmers from around the UK
and New Zealand.
Mr Andy Richardson
Partner – European Food and Farming Partnerships
(EFFP)
Andy has over 30 years’ experience in the UK food and drink
industry.
He has worked in commercial roles in the animal feed industry for
BOCM PAULS and recently worked for Volac where he was Director of
Corporate Affairs and Sustainability.
Andy has also co-founded two international collaborations. These
are about developing sustainable supply and demand of protein and
edible fats.
Mr Graham Black
Non-executive Director, Seafish
Graham also chairs the Seafish Wales Advisory Committee which has
representatives from across the seafood supply chain in Wales.
Prior to his work in Seafish, Graham was Director of Marine
Scotland.
Mrs Valerie Creusailor
Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Goch and
Company
With a career spanning over two decades, Valerie has played a
pivotal role in advancing operational efficiency in both private
and public sectors. Her proficiency encompasses skills
development, team dynamics, and optimising bottom-line
performance across various senior managerial roles.
Rural Affairs Minister said: “Welsh food and
drink continues to go from strength to strength with exports for
the sector reaching £797 million in 2022, a record high.
“The members of the industry board bring with them a wealth of
experience, expertise and passion to see the sector grow further
still.
“I look forward to working with them as they build on the
important work the board does to ensure a thriving future for the
food and drink industry here in Wales.”
, Chair of the Food and Drink
Wales Industry Board, said: “It is a great honour to be elected
as Chair of the Welsh Food and Drink Industry Board at this
crucial time for the sector (food and drink businesses) in Wales.
“I would like to welcome the newly elected members to the Board
who are all keen to use the breadth of their experience,
knowledge and skills to promote Welsh food and drink and develop
local, national and international market opportunities.
“All members of the Board look forward to working alongside the
Welsh Government whilst enhancing existing partnerships with
industrial partners and forging new relationships with other
members of the food chain to help further develop our sector.”
Alison Lea-Wilson, Deputy Chair of the Food and Drink Wales
Industry Board, said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed as a member of the Food
and Drink Industry Board and to serve as its Deputy Chair.
“Given the challenges we face it is even more important to work
together as a sector, taking full advantage of the support
offered by the Welsh Government to grow our industry in a
sustainable way.
“Wales has more than its fair share of great food and drink and
we will work collaboratively to ensure its place is recognised in
the world.”
