2 Sisters’ new director: innovate or fail

03-Feb-2014 - Last updated on 03-Feb-2014 at 13:15 GMT

Preston claimed firms that don't innovate will fail

Food manufacturers that aren’t working on innovative new products risk the failure of their businesses and losing out to those firms that are, according to the new innovation director at 2 Sisters Food Group.

Just days into her new role at 2 Sisters, April Preston warned firms that if they “don’t invent the future, someone else will”.

“The risk of not innovating is far greater than the risks associated with innovating. In today’s highly competitive landscape and with significant market share across so many categories, innovation is the life blood of future growth and success.

“We must lead the way in developing distinctive points of difference and unique product propositions to set ourselves apart from competitors and appeal to both our customers and consumers.”

‘Take a risk’

Preston, who left Marks & Spencer after 18 years as head of development in December 2013, said she was joining 2 Sisters at a very exciting time, when it was led by a boss that was not afraid to take a risk.

“Our ceo, Ranjit Singh, is a natural and talented entrepreneur who is decisive and not afraid to take a risk. What better foundation can there be for creating and supporting an innovation based growth strategy?”

Preston’s arrival at 2 Sisters is the latest in a string of new senior appointments at the group as part of a restructure aimed at streamlining the firm’s expanded operations, following the purchases of Northern Foods in 2011 and Vion UK’s red meat and poultry businesses last year.

In August, 2 Sisters created two new chief operating officer roles, one for its protein division and one for its chilled, ambient & frozen business.