Novo Farina, producer of the UK’s first British Made textured pea protein, has appointed Emily Williams as its new Managing Director, as it enters its next phase of commercial development to supply the UK food industry with cleaner, greener ingredients for the development of plant-based and reduced meat content foods.

Founded in 2016, the Norfolk-based business has evolved from developing taste-neutral British pea-flours for the gluten free market to specialising in extruded texturised vegetable protein using 100% yellow peas. With rising demand for meat-free ingredients that boast improved product credentials, and a series of investment rounds generating over £3.6M of private funding in the last 3 years, Novo Farina are positioned to scale up and support the plant-based revolution.

In her new role, Williams will oversee all aspects of Novo Farina’s operations at their AA grade BRCGS accredited manufacturing facility in Norwich, including production, research and development, sales and marketing and strategic partnerships. Her goal is to drive forward progressive product development and supply-chain change, in sectors such as Food Manufacturing, Foodservice, Pet Food and the Fitness and Nutrition industries. Developing a strategy to produce a sustainable alt-protein alongside contributing to the wider environmental mission to reduce imported Pulse-based Proteins such as Soya and instead invest in the British economy. 

“This is an incredibly exciting business to be a part of, and journey to be on. Novo Farina is at the forefront of pea protein premiumisation and product innovation and leading the way for sustainable, plant-based protein solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers and industries alike.” says Williams.

With clean label and traceability being challenged, Williams is confident that the evolving new-wave of plant-based and hybrid foods provides “a huge opportunity to further accelerate our growth and deliver exceptional value and expertise to our customers. The work to date that has been achieved by Novo Farina in driving positive change is evident throughout our supply chain and supporting British pea growers – choosing options to ensure our products taste great, provide exceptional functionality, and offer a lower carbon footprint to imported TVP."

Novo Farina Chairman Terry Gould comments: “With an exceptional track record in commercial roles and Director level in food manufacturing, Emily’s energy, ambition and expertise are the perfect mix to drive Novo Farina’s strategic growth and further establish its prominence in the burgeoning pea protein market. Her visionary leadership and strategic acumen make her the ideal candidate to transition Novo Farina into its next phase of growth and success.”

For more information about Novo Farina, their mission to innovate and drive positive change in the alt-protein industry and provide ingredient solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers, manufacturers and foodservice industries, visit www.novofarina.co.uk