Boasting 30 years of food manufacturer and processing experience, Duke joins the frozen food firm from Finnebrogue Artisan, where he spent the past four years as operations director.
Prior to this, he has held a number of operations roles across the food and drink industry, including head of operations for Bernard Matthews in 2017, group operations director at Dawnfresh Seafoods from 2011 to 2017 and added value – operations director for Vion Food Group between 2008 and 2011.
Toy Dumbreck, Innovate Foods managing director, said: “I am delighted to welcome Chris to the business. His appointment underlines the commitment of Innovate Foods to its future progress and development, namely continuing to build excellent partnerships with our loyal customer base and forging deeper collaborations within the Frostkrone Food Group.”
‘Decades of experience’
“Chris’s personality, skill and experience will unify and enhance our existing highly competent team as we maintain our presence and position within the market. Now part of Frostkrone UK and backed by decades of experience in food manufacture and a high-performance culture, the opportunities for Innovate Foods are abundant.”
Innovate Foods has been in business for over 30 years, generating a turnover of £20 million and producing four million kilograms of frozen food annually.
In February 2020 it joined the Frostkrone Food Group, benefiting from access to international markets where it is a significant supplier in the frozen finger-food market. The Rietberg-based Frostkrone Group, founded in 1997, has production facilities in Germany, France, and USA. In April 2021 Wales based, Abergavenny Fine Foods also joined the Group.
‘Progressive time for industry’
Commenting on his appointment, Duke said: “Despite the demands of responding to the daily challenges we face, I see this as a progressive and exciting time for our industry. Both Innovate Foods and Frostkrone have a clear strategy for the coming years and I am delighted to bring my skills and knowledge to achieve those goals.
“I have a passion for managing, motivating and developing staff, and am firmly centred in driving productivity from a motivated and happy workforce. I’m committed to delivering exceptional customer service standards and maximising customer collaboration and relationships.”
Meanwhile, the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) has appointed Tim McLachlan as its new chief executive.
