Sleaford technical expert joins Food Industry Intelligence Network

Ridgewell, who has worked in the herb and spice sector for the past 20 years, will sit on the Technical Steering Group for the FIIN, proposing responses to potential food authenticity and food fraud risks for the organisation’s members.

Commenting on his new role, he said: “As part of my time on the Technical Steering Group ​[TSG] for FIIN, I hope, along with my colleagues on the TSG, to play a vital role in distilling insights from our members' submitted authenticity testing data and other external data sources relevant to food authenticity and food fraud.”​

Recommendations to members​

The TSG also publishes recommendations to members on a quarterly basis, as well as pull together ad hoc specialist groups, draft external experts and advise members on testing programmes and recommend changes, upgrades or improvements to data submission formats to improve effectiveness and insight for FIIN members.

Sleaford managing director James Arnold added: “FIIN could not have chosen a more qualified steering group member than Gary. ​

“He has proven time and time again that his 20 years of experience along with his technical and quality credentials are second-to-none and he will undoubtedly prove a powerful and valuable voice as the food industry looks to ensure the integrity of its food supply chains.”​

Technical committees​

Ridgewell is an active member of the technical committees for both the UK Seasoning & Spice association and the European Spice Association. Before being promoted to head of technical at Sleaford, he was a technical supply manager.

Meanwhile, last week, ingredients supplier Sleaford appointed former Nestlé Cereal Partners UK sales director Sonja Bentley to its executive team.​​