MEET OUR JUDGES

Rozz Algar is a highly experienced business and marketing consultant with over 30 years’ experience helping organisations achieve market-leading positions. She began her career at Saatchi & Saatchi, managing major retail accounts including Sainsbury’s, before leading marketing functions for national brands, including the UK’s largest farming cooperative. Rozz has also run her own brand and organisational development consultancy, supporting businesses from startups to FTSE 100 companies. A Chartered Manager and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, she specialises in brand strategy, business growth, and delivering practical, insight-led solutions that drive measurable and sustainable commercial success.

Timothy R Andrews is the founder and host of Talking Hospitality, a media and education platform dedicated to moving the hospitality conversation forward. With almost 25 years’ experience in hospitality, including leadership roles in talent and recruitment, Timothy champions inclusive workplaces, better leadership and career progression. Through his podcast, writing and industry collaborations, he brings together different perspectives to explore the challenges facing hospitality and practical ways to address them. Highly Commended for the Male Ally Award at the 2026 Women in Food & Drink Awards, Timothy believes progress means turning good intentions into opportunities, support and lasting change.

Heather Angus is the People Director for Bidcorp UK, a market leading foodservice wholesaler serving customers in the hospitality, institutional, catering and retail sectors in the United Kingdom. With more than 28 years of industry experience, Heather is deeply passionate about the power of people. Her career has been driven by a desire to help individuals and businesses recognise the value that a strong HR environment brings in driving meaningful change. She firmly believes that empowering people to reach their full potential and achieve their career goals is one of the most rewarding things you can do.

Louise has worked in the food & drink industry since graduating, gaining experience across hospitality, contract catering and events, e-commerce and now in a commercial role for Müller. She currently works closely with retailers to develop growth strategies and drive category performance. This varied background gives her a well-rounded perspective on the industry, from front-of-house operations to commercial decision making. With experience spanning multiple parts of the supply chain, Louise brings broad industry knowledge shaped by both customer-facing and strategic roles.

I’m an entrepreneur, presenter, and micro-investor passionate about empowering women-led ventures. As a Director of Heriots Patisserie, I built the brand into a multi-million turnover business spanning e-commerce, retail, and production. Alongside my business ventures, I’ve invested in and mentored women led start-ups with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and social impact. My work bridges food, culture, and community, and I continue to champion representation and inclusion across the food and drink sector.

Dr. Lilla Bessenyei graduated in Pharmacy in 2016 and has since specialised in Holistic Health, Superfoods, and Nootropics. With extensive experience in Sports Recovery and functional nutrition, she has spent the past four years focusing on the food and drinks industry. Collaborating with Brand Relations and now Branding Innovations, she works closely with emerging and established brands in the functional and wellness sectors, including SpaceGoods, VitClear, and Carouse. Passionate about evidence-based innovation, Dr. Lilla also serves as a judge for the Quality Food Awards, recognising excellence and progress in the industry for the past three years.

Barry Dass is a serial entrepreneur and business adviser with over 40 years of experience spanning retail, international brands, business strategy and market development. As CEO of UK Advisory Services and head of strategy and international development at Davenport Solicitors, Barry combines strategic leadership with hands-on commercial management, shaping business direction, building operations, leading market expansion and turning growth ambitions into viable, profitable businesses. His involvement with Shobhna’s Ayurveda, an award-winning organic ghee brand, brings a personal connection to the food and drink sector and an appreciation of the dedication behind building a distinctive food business. Barry is passionate about supporting entrepreneurship, championing women in business and helping talented founders gain the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

Scott Davis-Green is Operations Director at Bold Foods, working across the business to improve performance, support colleagues and build effective teams. His approach combines practical problem solving with a belief that people do their best work when they feel trusted, supported and able to contribute. Scott is passionate about recognising talent and helping women access opportunities to develop and progress within the food and drink sector. A previous Male Ally Award finalist at the Women in Food & Drink Awards, he is pleased to join the judging panel and help celebrate the women making a difference across the wider industry.

Jen launched Chocolate Tours in London in 2005, alongside writing restaurant reviews and working in marketing. In 2008 she started work as a Buyer for M&S, eventually moving into New Product Development for McDonalds UK. She has now been leading tours and chocolate tastings for over 20 years, expanding into Ice Cream, Baked Goods and Patisserie, plus bespoke tours for tourists, locals, companies for entertaining clients, and for retailers looking at trends. She continues to write a weekly newsletter called The Next Delicious Thing, judge chocolate and general food awards, consult on food innovation, and host events.

After volunteering with CAMRA at beer festivals for over a decade Laura ran for National Executive. Following 3 years as Awards Director turned her focus to member and volunteer experience using her professional background in senior NHS Management leading work on organisational culture and development.

Laura was one of the founder members of the Women on Tap Advisory Board and has worked on several projects to highlight the campaign to reach equal representation of women in the beer industry.

She works as a freelancer covering sales, training, hosting tours and events, and anything else she can turn her hand to.

Helena has worked over three decades in food and drink development and manufacturing for companies including Marks & Spencer, Greencore, Domino’s and now Sainsbury’s. She has been responsible for market-leading product ranges and innovation across a broad spread of categories and is a previous Gold Q award winner. Helena has in-depth experience of prepared foods for both in and out the home, with expert knowledge across both health and ethnic foods. She has also worked on the manufacturing side, giving her a truly holistic understanding of the end-to-end process of bringing a product proposition to market. Additionally, Helena has worked as a Product Development Consultant in the drinks sector including the no and low category and the foodservice industry with Domino’s, and on the team of panelists for F&D Reviews. As a core team member of Sainsbury’s DEI team, Helena is a strong promoter of diversity and a believer that inclusivity in the industry results in better food, stronger businesses, and a more resilient food system for everyone.

Karen Green is a UK grocery and food sales expert, who works with food and drink companies to enable them to launch into the UK market. She is a former grocery buyer for industry giants Tesco and Boots and, for the last 10 years, she has been helping companies achieve profitable sales growth through consultancy, coaching and key note speaking. Karen is the author of two best selling books, Recipe for Success and Buyerology. Alongside her client work, she is currently studying for a Masters in World Food in Italy.

Mex Ibrahim is a passionate advocate for gender equality and co-founded Women in the Food Industry in 2019, now a non-profit, championing inclusion, leadership, and empowerment across the sector. With expertise in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and ethical eating, Mex is a trustee of the charity School Food Matters, a member of The Guild of Food Writers, and serves on the advisory board of New Food Magazine. She also runs a successful digital strategy business and was named Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion at the 2025 Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards.

With over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, I have built a career specialising in flavour and flavour ingredients across a wide range of market sectors including savoury (food coatings and marinades), snack seasonings, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), confectionery, and dairy. My extensive background in New Product Development (NPD) has equipped me with a diverse and adaptable skill set, allowing me to thrive in dynamic environments where no two days are the same; whether collaborating on customer projects, creating presentations, exploring emerging trends and keeping up to date with changing food guidelines, providing solutions to customer projects and becoming a trusted advisor.

Seeing a product that I have worked on appear on a supermarket shelf is a moment of pride and fulfilment, knowing I played a part in its journey. My passion for food and drink extends beyond the workplace; I enjoy discovering new product launches, reading food magazines, and indulging in culinary shows like MasterChef and The Great British Bake Off.

A highlight of my career is my role as a judge for the Quality Food Awards for the past four years. This role has allowed me to engage with cutting-edge innovation, evaluate products on taste, texture, and other criteria, and connect with inspiring peers across the industry.

As a woman in food, I’m proud to have raised two children—half of that time as a single mum—while maintaining a fulfilling career. I strive to be a role model to them and am incredibly proud of the young adults they are becoming. Balancing work and family life has helped me develop strong organisational and interpersonal skills that continue to serve me well. Eating and drinking for a living what more is there to love?"

Jenny is a farmer’s wife living on a regenerative family farm in South Cambridgeshire and is a Food Columnist writing for Country & Town House, the Cambridge Independent and Rural Life magazine. Jenny is an award-winning Author, a Producer and a Campaigner, who co-founded #Fish24; the first national 24hr social media campaign highlighting and celebrating the British fish and seafood industry. Jenny is also an Ambassador for Love British Food and The Country Trust, and is a member of The Guild of Food Writers and The British Guild of Agricultural Journalists.

Ayesha Kalaji is the Executive Chef and Owner of Queen of Cups in Glastonbury, a contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant housed in a historic 17th-century coaching inn. With deep roots in both North Wales and Jordan, Ayesha merges her heritage with locally sourced ingredients to craft a distinctive and innovative approach to Middle Eastern cuisine. After training at Leith’s and refining her skills as a butcher at Parsons Nose, she gained experience in renowned kitchens such as The Palomar, Sosban and The Old Butchers, The Good Egg, and Bubala before launching Queen of Cups in 2021. Ayesha has garnered widespread recognition, including maintaining a Michelin Bib Gourmand for four consecutive years—the first and only in the area. She received the Spotlight Award for Middle Eastern Food at the Be Inclusive Awards, was shortlisted for Be Inclusive Chef of the Year 2024, has been named one of Code’s Top 100 Most Influential Women of the Year, won Best Chef at last year's Trencherman Awards, after winning the Best Newcomer accolade last year. Ayesha was also recipient of this years Estrella Gastropub Top 50 Chef of the Year, being only the second woman to have won it.

Lisa Kerr MCIM is an international Product, Portfolio and Category Leader with more than 20 years' experience across FMCG, foodservice, retail and ingredient sectors. In her role at Puratos UK, she leads category strategy, portfolio management and innovation, transforming consumer and customer insights into commercially successful products and growth opportunities. Passionate about food innovation, health and wellbeing, and sustainable growth, Lisa combines strategic thinking with practical delivery to create solutions that add value for customers, consumers and the wider food industry.

Aida Khan is a London-based restaurateur, chef and creative director best known for founding Shola – Karachi Kitchen, a Pakistani, South Asian, female-led hospitality brand founded in 2019. Her professional journey in food spans nearly two decades, beginning with food television and cultural storytelling in Pakistan, followed by formal culinary training in London in 2016 and extensive experience across restaurants, events, catering and media. Aida has led operations across restaurant concepts, pop-ups, large-scale catering and hospitality collaborations, including culinary partnerships with Soho House London. She has collaborated with global brands including Disney, Netflix and L’Oréal, and her work has been featured on ITV’s Lorraine, John & Lisa’s Kitchen, BBC Good Food and Food & Travel Magazine. Alongside her commercial work, Aida actively supports emerging leaders in food and is developing community-focused initiatives centred on skills and access.

I am an Award Winning Irish Food Blogger and self taught Photographer, Food stylist and content creator. I started sharing my passion for food through my recipes back in 2017 on my blog, Soulful And Healthy and it gained quite a following from people who enjoyed trying my recipes and new dish ideas.

I was born and raised in Bangalore, Southern India, I moved to Dublin in 2012 after my marriage. Being the foodie that I have always been from my childhood, I created my blog to share simple, easy recipes after I became a Mum, as I wanted to do something for myself. As my blog gained popularity, it went on to win The Best Irish Blog Award in the UK in 2018.

As my creations gained attention, I decided to become a Food Photographer and Food Stylist, and I have worked with many Irish food brands and Irish producers. Now my recipes are published in many leading publications like The Irish Times, The Taste, The Journal and many such magazines and newspapers both local and International. I had the opportunity to become the Brand Ambassador for Kenwood World, where I shared my recipes and photos along with many top famous chefs. I have been interviewed by RSVP magazine and The Independent where I had the opportunity to share my journey. I have also worked with some of the most popular restaurants in Dublin as a Photographer and Stylist. Since my family expanded we moved to Wexford, a beautiful seaside town and I still continue to share my passion for food through videos and I still enjoy photo shoots with local food trucks.

Chef Jeeny Maltese is an internationally recognized culinary expert, best known for her vibrant presence on Irish television, including RTE One’s “The Today Show” and TV "Six O’clock Show” . Born with a passion for food, Jeeny trained in international cuisines, with Michelin standard experience, developing a distinctive cooking style, blending global influences with healthy, nutritious recipes. Her culinary philosophy revolves around fresh, seasonal ingredients, emphasizing wellness and the positive impact of mindful eating. This unique approach has resonated with diverse audiences, making her a favorite in both professional and foodie culinary worlds. With an exciting career , Jeeny has become a sought-after celebrity chef, wellness advocate & corporate chef consultant. Jeeny’s journey into the public eye began with her guest appearances on Irish TV, where her charismatic personality and culinary skills quickly captivated viewers. Chef Jeeny has been an important ambassador in significant campaigns for Irish food and European Sustainable food campaigns. In addition to her television career, Jeeny Maltese is highly regarded in the culinary and hospitality sector, a passionate advocate and ambassador for women in the industry, small producers & farmers. With a passion for progressive, forward thinking with a modern approach to keep pushing forward the industry globally.

Lucy Matthewson is an International Trade Consultant with over 25 years’ experience across the food, drink and fresh produce supply chain. Having spent much of her career as a senior buyer for leading UK retailers including Waitrose & Partners and Fortnum & Mason, she brings deep, practical insight into how products succeed on shelf: From quality, provenance and sustainability to pricing, logistics and compliance. Lucy now works internationally with food and horticulture SMEs, helping them access UK and European markets through export readiness, buyer engagement and market intelligence. Her work bridges commercial reality with inclusive, sustainable global trade.

Miles Nicholas is an Accredited Master Butcher with over 45 years of experience in the meat industry. Beginning his career at just 14, Miles has dedicated his life to preserving traditional butchery skills, supporting British farmers and mentoring the next generation. Following a life-changing stroke in 2018, he helped transform Morgan’s Butchery into a nationally recognised, award-winning family business. Alongside his daughter Amy and wife Julie, Miles champions accessibility, inclusion and opportunities for women within the industry. In 2026, he presented their story at the United Nations in Vienna, demonstrating how small businesses can create meaningful change.

Maja Novak is a serial entrepreneur and certified sensory professional with extensive international experience in specialty coffee and food & beverage innovation. She founded and successfully scaled Space Cup, a globally recognized, design-driven specialty coffee brand celebrated for innovation, sustainability, and industry education programs, later acquired by a leading hospitality group. A long-standing member of the Specialty Coffee Association, International Women’s Coffee Alliance (US Chapter), Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and Les Dames d’Escoffier, Maja is an experienced judge across global industry competitions. She is also an author at The Perfect Daily Grind, contributing to research and knowledge advancement in specialty coffee.

Leisa Pickles is the founder of Find Me The Leads, a specialist consultancy supporting food and drink producers to build effective routes to market within speciality retail. She brings a sector-wide perspective shaped by close collaboration with producers, farm shops, delis and independent retailers across the UK. Leisa helps founders develop confident sales outreach strategies, test opportunities and build sustainable retail relationships. She is known for her straight-talking, supportive approach and for championing early-stage food and drink businesses as they navigate the challenges of retail growth. Leisa is committed to supporting women-led enterprises across the sector.

Heidi is an established Food category manager with 24 years' experience in the grocery, chilled and dairy spaces within retail, wholesale and foodservice. Fresh from studying Business at Brighton University, Heidi quickly established an appetite for food procurement; supporting her suppliers and clients on their category development journeys.  Latterly, Heidi supported Compass Group UK sector culinary teams to curate portfolios of key grocery ingredients. Heidi has a wealth of experience in supporting suppliers honing their products for success and working with well-established brands to deliver innovative concepts and recipes. Heidi also supports F&D Reviews as an panel expert. 

Elit Rowland is the founder of Women in Wholesale and was recognised by The Grocer as one of the Most Influential Women in Wholesale. With more than a decade at JJ Foodservice, she’s passionate about food, inclusion, and helping women thrive across the supply chain.

I work in coffee quality and training at Java Republic and I’m actively involved in the SCA Ireland community. I’m a WCC certified judge and currently serve as Judges Coordinator. My daily work is very hands-on. I support teams, calibrate coffee, run training sessions and work on competition standards. I’ve judged national and international championships and I care a lot about fairness, structure and consistency on stage. For me, judging isn’t about opinion. It’s about protecting standards while supporting people. I believe strong systems and honest feedback help the whole industry grow.

Denise has worked in the food & drink industry for over 25 years. and currently develops and styles all the recipes and videos for the AHDB Domestic and Export Marketing projects and campaigns. Her extensive experience ranges from working in food & drink PR,TV and media. Some of her roles include: Working at the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu Cookery School Senior Home Economist for Nestlé Food Advisor at the Sea Fish Industry Authority, where Denise worked across all sectors of the seafood industry to promote good quality, sustainable British seafood Denise has a Masters in Culinary Arts from the University of Brighton and is a member of The Guild of Food Writers.

Sarah is Senior Account Director at SHOOK, a creative communications agency working with brands including Tony’s Chocolonely, innocent drinks and The Gut Stuff. SHOOK specialises in campaigns that blend behaviour design with creativity to encourage people to take action, not just raise awareness. Before moving to SHOOK, Sarah spent a decade in food and drink PR, working with brands including KETTLE Chips, Metcalfe’s Popcorn, The Cake & Bake Show and Club Soda. A lifelong food enthusiast, she has also judged for the International Chocolate Awards and the Great Taste Awards, bringing both insight and genuine passion for food to the panel.

Amy Wilkinson is the Founder of Fearless Foodies, a learning and development consultancy dedicated to helping people in the food and drink industry be braver, lead better and stay human at work. With over 25 years’ experience in Food Manufacturing across NPD, marketing and commercial roles, Amy brings real-world industry experience into every conversation. She is the host of The Fearless Foodie podcast and the founder of Fearless Women Connect, a free community creating space for connection, confidence and honest conversations for women in food and retail. In 2025, Amy was recognised by Food Manufacture as one of the most influential female leaders in the Food and Beverage sector and is passionate about championing inclusive, people-centred leadership

A Senior Quality Manager at Co-op, with over 15 years’ experience across retail, foodservice and premium food brands, including Sainsbury’s, Costa Coffee and Hotel Chocolat. My experience spans food quality, supplier performance, product development and customer insight, with a focus on using evidence and influence to drive meaningful improvement across complex food supply chains. I’m passionate about raising the profile of quality and technical careers within the wider food industry and creating greater visibility for women across food and drink.