Co-op appoints new executive innovation chef
The Co-op has hired Dai Llewelyn to guide the culinary direction of its convenience and wholesale food businesses.
The award winning chef will become the food retailer’s executive innovation chef with responsibility for product creation for Co-op brands, including its GRO vegan and top-tier Irresistible ranges.
With 15 years’ experience within the food industry, Llewelyn’s most recent in-house role was executive development and innovation chef at Greencore. Throughout his career, he has won a number of accolades at the British Sandwich Designer of the Year awards and was named Free as From Pasta Chef of the Year in 2019.
At the Co-op, he will work with Breige Donaghy, Co-op director of delicious food, as well as with the development and innovation team to drive forward the future innovation platforms for brand proposition. He will also head up an experienced culinary team to help develop new products for the convenience retailer. This will include working alongside the Co-op’s product developers to identify emerging food trends, implement new technologies and champion sustainability.
Donaghy said “Dai’s passion for sustainability and making good food accessible, aligns seamlessly with Co-ops approach. We’re looking forward to putting his fresh thinking, passion and wealth of experience into products our customers and members will enjoy. The next decade in the food industry is going to be hugely exciting and we need to continually evolve our offer to meet the needs of our convenience customers and the rapidly changing food agenda.”
The Co-op has made a significant investment in the quality and sourcing of its food products during recent years and has won awards for products ranging from sourdough pizzas, chilled desserts and ready meals.
