Food and Drink North East is delighted to announce the appointment of Caroline Bell, Operations & Sales Director of Acorn Dairy, and Karen Park, director of Buston Oils and Buston Potatoes, to its non-executive board of directors.
The appointments further strengthen the board’s expertise across agriculture, food production, sustainability, retail and local supply chains, reinforcing Food and Drink North East’s commitment to supporting businesses throughout the region’s food and drink ecosystem.
Speaking about her appointment, Caroline Bell says, “I’ve always been incredibly proud of the quality of produce we create here in the North East and of the hard work, passion and resilience of the people behind it. Farming is at the heart of our food and drink industry, and I’m a strong advocate for championing the vital role our family farms and producers play in shaping the region’s identity, economy & natural environment.
“I’m delighted to be joining the Food and Drink North East non-executive board and supporting its work to promote locally made produce, strengthen collaboration across the sector and help ensure that voices across the supply chain are represented.”
Karen Park adds, “I’m honoured to join the Food and Drink North East board of directors and to represent the many independent food businesses that contribute so much to our regional economy. Food and Drink North East has helped me enormously since its inception six years ago and I’m looking forward to giving something back.
“The North East has a proud food heritage and an exciting future, driven by passionate producers, growers and entrepreneurs. I look forward to supporting Food and Drink North East’s work and ensuring our region continues to be recognised for its quality, innovation and commitment to great food.”
As Operations & Sales Director of Acorn Dairy, Caroline Bell has helped develop one of the North East’s most respected dairy businesses, recognised for its commitment to organic farming, sustainability and environmentally responsible food production. Through her leadership, she has overseen milk sales and distribution, as demand for local organic milk grows across the region.
Karen Park brings extensive experience as the director of Buston Oils and Buston Potatoes. Through her businesses, she has championed high-quality regional produce and built strong relationships throughout the food supply chain, with expertise spanning production, distribution, retail and customer engagement.
Speaking about the two new appointments, Chris Jewitt, CEO of Food and Drink North East, says, “Agriculture and food production need to be the foundations of our region’s food and drink economy and any future food strategy, and it is essential that our board reflects the depth and diversity of expertise that exists across the sector.
“Caroline and Karen each bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for the North East food and drink industry. Caroline’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and food production, alongside Karen’s entrepreneurial experience and understanding of local supply chains, will provide invaluable insight as we continue to support businesses, champion innovation and build a resilient and sustainable future for our sector.
“We are delighted to welcome both Caroline and Karen to the Food and Drink North East board and look forward to the contribution they will make as we continue to strengthen the region’s reputation for food, drink and agricultural excellence.”
As members of the FADNE non-executive board, Caroline and Karen will join fellow directors in providing insight, advice and strategic support to Food and Drink North East, helping the organisation navigate industry challenges, unlock opportunities for growth and strengthen the North East’s reputation as a region renowned for food, drink and agricultural excellence.
To find out more about the work Food and Drink North East does, please visit www.fadne.org.
