UK-based cultivated meat company, Ivy Farm Technologies, has announced the appointment of Gail Francis as its new vice president of commercial.
With over 30 years of experience in the global food industry, Francis is expected to play a vital role in establishing market pathways for Ivy Farm's cultivated Wagyu beef, which is currently awaiting regulatory approval from the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Francis joins Ivy Farm following her tenure as director of business growth and delivery at Naylor Nutrition, where she successfully secured funding to develop a plant-based production facility. Her extensive background spans various sectors of the food industry, including major manufacturers, start-ups and foodservice entities across the UK and Europe.
In her new role, Francis will lead Ivy Farm's commercial strategy as the company prepares for a global launch of its cultivated Wagyu beef. This product aims to redefine premium meat consumption by offering a sustainable alternative that aligns with increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly food options.
The timing of Francis's appointment is particularly significant as the UK food landscape evolves. Recent developments, including the establishment of the FSA Sandbox and the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC), indicate a growing governmental and consumer acceptance of cultivated meat products.
These initiatives suggest a favourable regulatory environment for companies like Ivy Farm, which are pushing the boundaries of traditional meat production.
"I’m excited to get started at Ivy Farm, an ambitious company at the forefront of the cultivated meat revolution," said Francis. "As food companies pursue serious net-zero commitments, cultivated meat will be essential in reducing emissions and transforming the food system into one that’s better for both people and the planet."
Harsh Amin, interim CEO at Ivy Farm, expressed confidence in Francis's capabilities, adding: "Her extensive experience across the global food industry will be instrumental as we prepare to launch and scale cultivated meat globally".
Ivy Farm Technologies is currently engaged with regulatory bodies worldwide, focusing on securing approval for its cultivated Wagyu beef. The company aims to position itself as a leader in the cultivated meat sector, leveraging innovative technology to create high-quality products that can meet growing consumer expectations while addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional meat production.
