AberInnovation CEO, Dr Rhian Hayward MBE appointed to Food and Drink Wales Industry Board

The Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths MS has announced five new appointments to the Food and Drink Wales Industry Board for the next four years.

Mr James Wright, Mr Don Thomas, Mrs Margaret Ogunbanwo, Mr Bryson Craske and AberInnovation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rhian Hayward will join the current board and contribute to its crucial work in supporting the sector’s Covid-19 recovery and preparations for the end of the EU transition period.

Dr Rhian Hayward said: “Supporting the food and drink industry is more important than ever. I am delighted to join the Board and I look forward to working alongside the sector in Wales to strengthen our global impact, sustainability and resilience.”

The Minister is set to meet new board members on 19 November to discuss how the board and Welsh Government will work collaboratively over the coming weeks and months to address the challenges and opportunities the industry faces.

Minister Lesley Griffiths MS said: “We are extremely proud of our world renowned Welsh food and drink sector. 2020 has been a difficult year for the sector responding to the global pandemic and it faces the forthcoming twin challenges of Covid-19 recovery and preparing for the end of the EU transition period. The five new appointments, with the breadth of experience they bring, will strengthen and build on the great work the board does in supporting and ensuring the sector has a strong future.”

Andy Richardson, Chair of the Food and Drink Wales Industry Board, said: “I am delighted to welcome the new members to the Food & Drink Industry Board which comes at this crucial time for the food and drink sector in Wales. The Board will continue to play a key role in partnering with the Welsh Government and the industry to work together to really drive forward the sector and ensure Welsh food and drink continues to grow in influence, scale and confidence on the World stage. I have no doubt that the breadth of experience, drive and ambition of the board will be the catalyst for our future success.”

With its brand-new Future Food Centre operational since August of this year, AberInnovation is uniquely placed to support Wales’ aspirations to be at the forefront of food and drink research and development. A pipeline of innovative projects is well underway and the team welcome enquiries from companies seeking support in bringing new products to fruition.