Soil Association Certification, the UK's largest organic certification body, has appointed Martin Sawyer as its new chief executive. Martin brings a strong background in the food industry and is well placed to lead Soil Association Certification through the next phase of its development. The organic market is in strong growth1, exceeding £1.86 billion in 2014 in the UK, and £46 billion in 2013 worldwide, so it’s an exciting time.
Martin brings extensive experience in consumer food markets having worked in management roles for Premier Foods, Bomfords Ltd, Oscar Mayer and Bakkavor. He has operated in both corporate and private business environments in the UK and on mainland Europe, leading strategic change, senior commercial relationship building, operational performance improvement and accelerating turnover through both organic growth and acquisition routes.
Speaking about the new role, Martin Sawyer said; “I am looking forward to leading Soil Association Certification through the next phase – continuing to work hard to make organic accessible for everyone and growing our certification business in all areas across food, textiles, health and beauty and forestry products.
“I believe that everyone should have access to local, seasonal, affordable, healthy and organic food. I’m looking forward to working with an organisation that shares this vision. Soil Association schemes like the Catering Mark already show great success in providing over one million meals each day, making good food the norm in schools, hospitals, care homes and workplaces - all places where people have little food choice.”
Soil Association Certification is responsible for certifying over 70% of all organic products sold in the UK. Certifying organic food and farming, organic textiles and organic beauty products since 1973, the team has built up extensive practical experience and provides unrivalled support before, during and after certification. Certifying other schemes like the Food for Life Catering Mark and FSC and PEFC forestry standards also delivers quality marks that industry and consumers can trust.
