Meat Business Women, the global networking group that champions women in the meat industry, has secured the backing of 12 new sponsors to support its mission for greater diversity and inclusion in the meat sector.
Eight leading meat companies from the UK and Ireland have committed to becoming sponsors and strategic partners of Meat Business Women: ABP; Cranswick; Dawn Meats; Hilton Food Group; Linden Foods; Moy Park; OSI; and Pilgrim’s Pride.
They are joined by four major suppliers to the meat sector: packaging supplier Klöckner Plentaplast; ingredients supplier Moguntia; equipment supplier PPS; and food safety company Holchem, part of the Kersia Group.
By becoming strategic partners, the 12 companies are boosting Meat Business Women’s financial firepower as it expands rapidly and helping to accelerate its ambitious programme for developing female talent in the meat sector.
They are also sending a clear signal on the importance of gender diversity, said Laura Ryan, chair of Meat Business Women.
“The names speak for themselves: Championing female talent is now a strategic priority for the largest and most forward-thinking players in the meat industry,” she added.
The past 12 months have brought unprecedented disruption to the meat sector, but leading companies know that diversity is key to the future sustainability of the sector.
“In fact, with the pandemic prompting many people to become more interested in food, it’s never been more important to tell the story of female talent in the meat industry and showcase the exciting career opportunities our sector has to offer women.”
‘The old-fashioned perception’
Adam Couch, CEO of Cranswick, said:
I am proud to be able to associate with Meat Business Women, the global professional networking group for women working across the meat industry, which is helping to change the old-fashioned perception of being a male-dominated industry to one that is seen to be open to all and is a forward-thinking, relevant and exciting industry to work.
Bob Carnell, CEO of ABP UK, says:
“We’re really excited to be celebrating female talent in the meat industry and fully support the activities of Meat Business Women.
“At ABP, we’re committed to ensuring everyone in our business has the best opportunities and the talent coming through events like this shows our industry has a bright future ahead.
Earlier this year, a report commissioned by Meat Business Women revealed that women make up just 36% of the meat industry’s global workforce and hold just 5% of chief executive roles.
“Meat Business Women is changing this by raising the profile of women in the global meat industry and connecting female talent through networking and mentoring opportunities as well as conferences and awards.”
