Gluten-free specialist Genius Foods has appointed Adam Smart as Chief Executive Officer.
The former general manager of PepsiCo Ireland took over last month from Dr Peter Quinn, who had lead the Scottish-based manufacturer through ‘four challenging years in this macro-economic climate’.
Prior to joining PepsiCo in 2017, Smart held multiple senior commercial and supply chain roles with Diageo in the UK and across Europe, including a stint in Edinburgh. More recently he became Chairman of the Irish Beverage Council, working with industry colleagues on matters including Brexit, Sugar Tax and the impending Deposit Return Scheme for beverage containers.
“I am delighted to be both back in Scotland and joining such an exciting company as Genius,” said Smart.” With many of my family and friends struggling with the challenges that gluten can create, I have closely watched Genius on its amazing journey as a brand for many years helping hundreds of thousands of consumers.
“The entrepreneurial spirit and boldness to become the first quality Gluten Free product on the market was inspirational and I feel very privileged to take the brand, the company, and our great employees on the next stage of our journey”.
Smart is said to be joining at a pivotal moment for Genius as it refocuses on the UK market following its successful acquisition last summer by Katjes Greenfood – the investment arm of German confectionery group Katjes.
The business also secured a £7.5m asset-based loan last month, which it will use to improve efficiency and production lines at its bakery in Bathgate.
Genius states its belief that ‘living a gluten free life shouldn’t mean a life of compromise and empowers its consumers to do so in the most delicious way’.
Its portfolio currently features white, brown and seeded sliced loaves as well as a handcrafted tiger bloomer and country white cob. Breakfast offerings include Scotch pancakes, bagels, crumpets, and breakfast bakes, while other savoury items include pies, rolls, brioche buns, pitta, wraps, ciabatta, sausage rolls and quiches. It also supplies ready-to-roll pastry, and for the sweet toothed there are the likes of muffins, cupcakes, apple pie and fruit loaf.
The product range is available in every major UK supermarket and several leading independent grocery retailers.
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