Soft drinks scholarship established

The British Soft Drinks Industry Foundation (BSDIF) has set up a scholarship to address the growing shortage of people entering a career in food science and technology.

The BSDIF, previously the Soft Drinks Benevolent Society, has made funds available for two students to study relevant undergraduate courses in partnership with the Department of Food Biosciences at Reading University.

Sonam Nair and Chris Chapman have become the first recipients of the scholarships, which were presented to them by BSDIF trustee Dick Charlton. Charlton worked in the soft drinks industry for 34 years, holding roles such as GB training manager for Coca-Cola Enterprises.

“The UK’s food and drink industry must increasingly attract skilled food scientists and technologists,” said Charlton. “The BSDIF hopes the establishment of this scholarship will attract people to the industry and encourage them to use their talents so the soft drinks industry can continue to innovate and build on its success.”