The British Frozen Food Federation has appointed Karen McQuade as its new president.
She has taken over from Ian Stone, who has stepped down after four years.
McQuade was a “highly respected industry leader”, the trade body said, who brought 25 years of experience in the frozen food sector.
She founded The UK Foodhall in 2007, which provides British meat, fish, and poultry products to the school meal sector.
McQuade’s business portfolio now includes three additional British food manufacturing companies – including John Dwyer Bakery, Peck & Strong and Cornish Bakehouse UK – employing around 260 people.
She has also been a BFFF director for six years. As president, she will be tasked with representing the frozen food industry, particularly as it continues to address the growing demand for more sustainable and waste-reducing options, with consumers increasingly turning to frozen foods.
McQuade said: “I have always supported the BFFF for their championing of frozen food and the much-needed voice they give to the frozen food category.
“Today, more than ever, we need the BFFF to speak loudly on our behalf about the sustainable benefits of frozen food, its role in reducing food waste, and the quality it brings without added preservatives.
“I’m also a strong advocate for the BFFF’s young leaders’ forum – encouraging the next generation is fundamental to our industry’s future.”
Rupert Ashby, CEO of the BFFF, said of the appointment: “I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Karen to her new role and am delighted that she has been appointed as president. Her entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to British food, and commitment to the frozen sector make her an inspiring leader for our industry.
“I would also like to express my gratitude on behalf of the federation to outgoing president Ian Stone. His invaluable service and steady leadership over the past four years have been instrumental in steering the BFFF through an exciting and challenging period, which included changes following Brexit and lockdown. We are grateful for his dedication.”
Stone was appointed in September as CEO of Apetito UK, with which he has held various roles since he joined in 2003, latterly UK chief commercial officer.
At the BFFF’s annual lunch on 19 November, McQuade called for members to engage in the group’s efforts to raise the standard temperature for frozen food.
The trade body earlier this year joined the international coalition The Move to –15°C, which makes the case for raising the global temperature standard by three degrees from the –18°C that the frozen food industry has been abiding by for over 100 years.
UK retailers Morrisons and Iceland have also now joined the coalition, which marked its one-year anniversary this week.
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