The Food and Drink Federation has named Cadbury Schweppes CEO John Sunderland as its new president from January 2003.

Sunderland said he was honoured to represent the industry, which along with the whole food chain has many challenges to face over the next few years.

He added: “Food and drink, as a social, economic and even political issue will continue to be high profile over the coming years. FDF will play a leading role in communicating our industry's positions to legislators, consumers and the media.”

Other elected officers include chairman of Unilever Bestfoods UK, Gavin Neath as FDF deputy president; Watburtons director and chairman of Richmond Foods, Ross Warburton as treasurer and deputy president; Unilever’s Iain Ferguson and Patak Foods boss Kirit Pathak as vice presidents.