His role would involve managing the portfolio of Meadow Foods’ value-added ingredients such as soft cheese and custard, as well as the Nimbus Foods inclusions range. Chivers would have overall responsibility for the sales, new product development (NPD) and marketing departments. He would have a strong focus on innovation and the development of new markets and growth opportunities.
He joins the company, which in June announced a £4m investment in plant-based production, with more than 30 years’ experience of working with blue chip businesses internationally and in the UK.
An experienced commercial director, Chivers has previously managed complex customer-based solutions in established and new business areas for fast moving consumer goods and food ingredients businesses. He also has a wealth of experience across sectors, including retail, business-to-business, foodservice and contract manufacturing.
'New and diverse markets'
“Meadow Foods has a proven reputation as an innovative ingredients supplier and the role presents a fantastic opportunity to utilise this position, by extending into new and diverse markets," said Chivers. "In particular, I am very much looking forward to leading the NPD team that devises and delivers exciting new value-added products to customers.”
Jack Hancock, chief commercial officer of Meadow Foods, added: “We look forward to welcoming Neil to Meadow Foods. His vast experience will complement and add depth to the team, allowing us to further develop opportunities by continuing to create innovative products for our customers.”
Meadow Foods operates from four BRC AA accredited sites in Chester, Peterborough, Holme-on-Spalding Moor and Dolgellau, where it manufactures value-added ingredients seven days a week for some of the UK’s best known food manufacturers.
The company employs more than 430 people and handles in excess of 550m litres of milk each year direct from its network of dedicated milk producers across the UK.
