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 David Lloyd, 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 Lesley Griffiths 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.
David Lloyd, 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.