Simplification of supply streams

Emma Woods, technical manager at Phoenix Speciality Oils, predicts a step in the right direction following the horsemeat scandal, which left certain sectors of the industry reeling last year.

 

Describe yourself in three words:

Bossy. Generous. Smiley.

What’s your biggest professional achievement?

To have enjoyed every place that I’ve worked.

How did you get to where you are today?

Having a good work ethic instilled in me by my father from a young age, learning from my peers and having the ability to listen to others.

What does a typical day look like for you?

One of the reasons I enjoy my job so much is that days are rarely typical. On the whole, there’s a good mix of customer interaction, production and technical involvement and liaising with growers.

What have been the highlights of your company’s history, in your opinion?

Having the ability to adapt to changing markets and the foresight to invest in the future of the business. It’s now well placed to change according to which direction the business goes in.

What is your pet hate?

Dishonesty.

Give us a positive prediction for the food industry over the next 12 months

I think in 2014 certain sectors of the industry were left reeling from the horsemeat challenges. Over the next 12 months I’m sure we’ll see positive steps forward in the simplification of supply streams. For us, we’ve always had that direct link back to growers.

What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?

Vision, an ability to engage people and unflappability. Not easily achieved sometimes, but something worthwhile striving for I believe.

Which people/organisations or companies are the ones to watch right now? 

Aldi – everyone knows that the business is doing well at the moment but I think there’s a lot more to come. Its approach has the potential to disrupt the food industry even more than it already has.

Which words do you most overuse?

I’m reliably informed that I have three favorites: ‘no worries’, ‘sweetie’ and ‘little’.

If you weren’t in your current position, what else might you be doing?

I have a love of farming and my role at Phoenix allows me to nurture this, but if I wasn’t here I like to think I would still be working alongside growers and showcasing their produce. The UK has some of the best farmers in the world and it’s a real privilege to be a part of the UK agriculture.

Tell us something about yourself that few people know:

I was once caught by a policeman firing a shotgun while wearing stilettos.

Any vices?

Of course.

How do you relax?

Exploring our beautiful countryside and entertaining friends and family.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone with integrity.

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