Natural food colouring and flavouring firm Plant‑Ex Ingredients has appointed a new global technical director.
Rebecca Stewart joins the Avonmouth-based company from Peters Food Service, where she worked as technical director, leading regulatory strategy, quality assurance and technical innovation across multiple facilities.
Ms Stewart will be responsible for technical strategy across Plant‑Ex’s global sites and will lead efforts in regulatory compliance, product safety and quality assurance, according to the company.
She will also support Plant-Ex's continued growth and investment in new production facilities.
Giles Drewett, chief executive of Plant‑Ex, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Rebecca to the team. Her track record in technical leadership and operational compliance is exactly what we need as we scale our business globally.
"Her expertise will be key to ensuring our sites consistently meet the highest standards in quality and regulatory integrity.”
Ms Stewart, who has spent more than 20 years in the food ingredients and food service sectors, added: “I am incredibly excited to be joining the team at Plant-Ex Ingredients.
"From the outset, I was drawn to the company’s vision, culture, and the impact it's making in the industry. I’m honoured to be part of such a talented and driven team and group, and I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of growth and innovation."
Ms Stewart said the opportunity at Plant-Ex aligned "perfectly with my passion for food safety and quality".
She added: "[It] stems from a deep commitment to protecting businesses and ensuring customer and consumer trust. I am driven by the opportunity to apply scientific principles and regulatory standards to maintain the highest levels of safety and excellence in food manufacturing.”
The appointment follows significant investment by Plant‑Ex in expanding production capacity.
Last month the company acquired Polish liquid and powder flavourings manufacturer Aromacolors for an undisclosed sum.
Plant-Ex was founded in 2010 to develop, make and distribute natural food colours, extracts and flavours. It opened an expanded Bristol factory, with double the capacity of its previous site, in 2024.
