Apetito, the UK’s leading food producer for the health and social care sector, is planning a major investment over the next five years to expand production.
The Trowbridge-headquartered group, which includes homes meals delivery firm Wiltshire Farm Foods, said the move would expand its customer base and reinforce its market leadership while also enhancing its logistics infrastructure.
The move, which German-owned apetito described as a new chapter for the business, coincides with the appointment of a new chief executive officer.
Ian Stone, pictured, has succeeded Paul Freeston, who stepped down at the end of last year.
Mr Stone previously spent five years as apetito’s chief commercial officer.
He has worked at the group, which employs around 2,000 people and also has a base at Portbury, near Bristol, for more than 21 years, having joined in 2003 from Lakeland Dairies, where he was sales and marketing director.
Prior to that spent eight years at Swiss food giant Nestlé. He has also been president and chairman of trade association the British Frozen Food Federation for just over four years.
As CEO he leads apetito’s full UK operations, which include its business-to-business markets and, through Wiltshire Farm Foods, to consumers in their own homes.
He said: “Each of our divisions represent an outstanding growth opportunity, and the next five years will see major investment into the future of our UK business – expanding production and logistical facilities and investing in our people.
“We have an incredibly talented management team that I am proud to be working with.
“Our collective commitment to our mission of 'making a real difference' drives every aspect of our business and I am confident that with our dedicated team, strategic investments, and unwavering focus on our customers, apetito UK is poised for a bright and successful future."
To support its growth plans, the firm has also appointed Mandy Chambers as sales and marketing director B2B.
Mandy, pictured, who has also joined the company’s executive board, will oversee apetito's four business units – healthcare, care homes, local authorities and education – as well as its marketing, category and business development functions.
She joined apetito in 2017 from Bristol IT firm Softcat to focus on the specialist nutrition within the firm’s world-class graduate programme.
She went on to launch apetito into the independent schools market and has led its rapidly growing healthcare business since 2022.
Ian Stone said: "Mandy has been instrumental in driving our rapidly growing healthcare business in the last two years.
“Her prior success as head of business development, where she led apetito into the independent schools market, showcases her strategic insight and leadership capabilities."
Mandy added: “I am delighted to take on this new role and look forward to working with our talented teams to continue our journey of growth whilst ensuring we continue to deliver fresh innovation and exceptional value to our customers.
“Together, we will continue to drive apetito's mission of ‘making a real difference."
