James Wood

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

FOOD FOR the future

View PROJECTS

Innovation

Commercially focused and entrepreneurial approach to innovation and product development.

Development

Developing and launching innovative products in chilled, ambient and frozen categories 

Production

A strong understanding of manufacturing processes and launching new products

Award Winning

New PRODuct development

I am an experienced food industry professional with a commercially focused and entrepreneurial approach to innovation and product development.

I have experience in developing and launching innovative products in the chilled, ambient and frozen categories alongside a strong understanding of manufacturing processes.

I present new concepts at customer submissions and meetings across various categories, including cooked meat, slow-cooked, deli, party food, BBQ, and Christmas, and ensure that new concepts are properly scoped through the factory process, ensuring viability both commercially and technically.

I collaborate with procurement and suppliers to source new and exciting ingredients, striking a balance between the highest quality and commercial feasibility.

I also run a successful street food stall and specialise in cooking over wood fire for local events.

James Wood

Experienced

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • University of Birmingham

BA Culinary Arts Management with Industrial Placement (Hons): First Class

  • Westminster Kingsway College

Advanced Diploma in Professional Cookery

  • Further Qualifications
  • HACCP Level 3 in Food Manufacturing
  • Sensory Training
  • Level 3 in Supervising Food Safety
  • GSCOP Training
  • Clean driving licence

What I CAN Offer

I have developed a range of high-quality chilled and ambient soups, stocks, sauces, and gravies, which are now sold across both retail and food service sectors. My focus has always been on delivering great flavour and consistency at scale, ensuring that each product meets my high standards.

Food To Go Sector

I developed for a franchise chain with over 450 stores UK wide including a best selling soup and plant based porridge

Food Service Sector

Developed a new range of soups for a key retailer’s new Middle Eastern-inspired brand.

Retail Sector

I have developed a series of products for the UK’s biggest super markets in the premium tiers

ACHIEVEMENTS

My career has been marked by several significant achievements. I successfully won and retained a multi-million pound contract for soup and pasta sauces, delivering both quality and reliability to a key client. Through strategic growth and innovation, I drove a fourfold increase in listed products with a major franchise partner, expanding our presence and deepening the partnership. I also created and launched a premium-tier pasta sauce range for a leading retailer, elevating their offering to new standards. Most recently, I spearheaded the launch of six new products in the stir-fry sauce category for a major supermarket, helping to diversify their range and meet evolving customer tastes.

Won and retained a multi-million pound soup and pasta sauce contract.

A four fold increase in listed products with a key franchise chain.

Created and launched a pasta sauce range for a retailer’s premium tier.

Launched six new products for a major supermarket in their stir-fry sauce category.

WORKING WITH

In my past roles, I have had the opportunity to work with many of the UK’s leading retailers and food service companies. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the standards, expectations, and collaborative approach required to deliver successful products at scale in highly competitive markets.

Ready to develop a new role

I have a proven ability to set the innovation direction for a business, ensuring you stay ahead of both food and cultural trends. By advising the senior leadership team on future strategy, I help shape a forward-thinking approach that keeps the company competitive and relevant.

I am currently seeking new opportunities, whether full-time or interim roles, where I can share my vision and expertise.