Former Addo COO Mark Hodson becomes Edme MD

Ingredients supplier Edme has appointed Mark Hodson, former chief operating officer at Addo Food Group, as managing director.

Hodson spent almost 12 years at chilled bakery products business Addo, and was with Geest (now Bakkavor) for 10 years. He was also managing director of RF Brookes, which supplied businesses including Marks & Spencer and Pizza Hut.

Edme chief executive David Thompson described Hodson as having significant experience in business transformation.

“This puts him in the ideal position to consolidate the good work done by the team, and to expand the company’s horizons through closer working relationships with – and support to – customers,” he added.

Hodson said he was joining Edme at an exciting time.

“The company has been using locally sourced raw materials to produce natural ingredients for 135 years, but it feels as though it’s just coming of age,” he explained. “Perhaps that’s because now, more than ever, consumers are crying out for nutritious, clean-label foods that taste good.”

Essex-based Edme produces wholegrain flours, flakes and kibbles, sprouted grains and seed mixes for the food industry.

“We can do more by working together with our customers – and by involving the whole supply chain,” said Hodson.

“Our group has over 250 farmers with long-term supply relationships working with us on quality grains, environmental schemes and sustained supply.  Such initiatives ensure that we remain at the forefront of ingredient innovation – and our customers at the forefront of product innovation.”