Honorary degree for food entrepreneur at QMU graduation
Image: Ashley Jensen, Shona McCarthy and Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne with Patrick Grant and the principal of QMU, Sir Paul Grice at the ceremony.
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh awarded an honorary degree to Genius Foods’ Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, a food innovator at its 2025 graduation ceremonies.
Honoured at a ceremony in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne joined the newly installed Chancellor of QMU, Patrick Grant – designer, entrepreneur and judge on BBC’s ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ – to celebrate the achievements of hundreds of new QMU graduates.
Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, the visionary founder of Genius Foods, a UK-based company specialising in gluten-free bakery, received a Doctor of Business Administration for her contribution to food development and innovation.
Lucina trained as a chef at the Leith School of Food and Wine, a prestigious cook school founded by QMU’s former Chancellor, Dame Prue Leith. But when her son was diagnosed with multiple food allergies and a severe intolerance to gluten, Lucinda embarked on a challenge to create gluten-free bread that would not only meet the dietary needs of her family, but also satisfy the taste buds of consumers everywhere.
In 2009, she founded Genius Foods, which quickly became a global leader in gluten-free products. Her relentless innovation and commitment to quality have improved the lives of millions living with coeliac disease and other dietary restrictions.
Lucinda’s influence extends beyond product development. She is a published author, educator, and advocate for food allergy awareness. Her books, including ‘How to Cook for Food Allergies’, have empowered home cooks and professionals alike. Lucinda’s recent appointment as Executive Chair of the New Town Cookery School in Edinburgh, will see her help shape the future of culinary education.
A Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and founding member of the Gluten Free Industry Association, Lucinda is also an Innovate UK ambassador. Her leadership has driven progress in food science and industry standards.
Sir Paul Grice, principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne’s dedication to quality and innovation has set a new standard in the gluten-free market, making Genius Foods a household name and a trusted choice for consumers around the world. Her work has brought joy and dignity to those with special dietary needs and inspired a new generation of food entrepreneurs. We recognise the significant contribution that she has made to innovation in the food industry and the entrepreneurial landscape in Scotland.”
The day also saw honours for the Scottish actress and narrator, Ashley Jensen; and the former chief executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Society, Shona McCarthy. The three inspirational women joined the newly installed Chancellor of QMU, Patrick Grant – designer, entrepreneur and judge on BBC’s ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ – to celebrate the achievements of hundreds of new QMU graduates.
