Food ingredients supplier Macphie has appointed Warren Wells as commercial director.

Wells joins the family-owned business from Aryzta Food Solutions, where he held the role of commercial director for four years. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the food industry across businesses including Nestlé, Danone and McCormick.

Macphie chief executive Andy Stapley said the Scottish business was delighted to welcome Wells.

“In a challenging industry environment, his strong background in the food industry and undoubted expertise make him the ideal candidate to lead our commercial unit.”

Wells (pictured right) said there was an opportunity to develop and grow the Macphie brand and make a difference in this “outstanding family business”.

News of the appointment follows Andy Stapley joining Macphie last October from Samworth Brothers business Kensey Foods. Stapley replaced Andy Underwood.

At the end of last year Macphie announced its annual revenue had risen 3.3% year on year to £55.7m, up from £53.9m in 2017. Gross profit dropped from 28.4% in 2017 to 25.4%, with operating profit in the year falling to £3.1m from £5.9m the previous year.

“The sector operates with tight margins, as we continue to produce premium products in a highly competitive industry which has seen some well-publicised challenges in the UK casual dining sector,” said Stapley at the time.

 “Looking ahead, we are a strong and profitable business that will continue to invest and grow, pursuing new opportunities both here in the UK and overseas.”

Aryzta has been through a turbulent 12 months, with a shake-up of its senior team and the sale of its Cloverhill, La Rousse and Signature Flatbreads businesses. The business has launched a cost reduction programme designed to bring €200m (£177m) in savings over a three-year period, and a share offer that generated estimated net proceeds of around €740m (£654m).