Two major baking industry figures join start up company’s board

Specialist bakery company CFP invests further in management team

Geoff Kluman and Mark Rooza, two of the baking industry’s big hitters, are to join the team of The Cotswold Food Partnership (CFP).

Kluman, who is chairman of Kluman & Balter, is advising on the strategic direction of the new company.  “Geoff’s no-nonsense approach to business is going to be a big benefit,” confirms CFP founder Carl Le Neveu.  “But he also brings enormous business creativity and flair.”

Under his stewardship, Kluman & Balter grew into one of the industry’s leading ingredients suppliers, with major national contracts and a reputation for innovation.  Now in his fifties, Geoff Kluman is one of the baking industry’s most experienced and prominent entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile Mark Rooza’s role encompasses steering the commercial direction of the young company.  “Mark is a terrific addition to our team”, says Carl Le Neveu.  “His deep experience in bakery retail and sales development will be invaluable in targeting both large and small-scale customers.”

Mark Rooza joins CFP as a main board Director and shareholder.  Still under 40, he has wide experience in a variety of food industry roles including with Barnsley-based Anthony Alan Foods, which holds the licence for Weight Watchers cakes.  Before that he spent three years in senior management within the Grampian Country Food Group.  Prior to Grampian, Mark was Sales Director at Enterprise Foods and also worked at ASDA for seven years, becoming the group’s Bakery Buyer.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Geoff and Mark, two major industry figures, have agreed to work with CFP,” says Carl Le Neveu.  “It gives us a dynamic team that can truly fulfil the potential of the CFP concept.”

The Cotswold Food Partnership aims to help UK bakers and retailers profit from major consumer lifestyle trends, by sourcing products and ingredients that precisely match consumer demand.  For example, the i-Bread ‘Artisan’ range features exclusive ingredients from continental Europe and will meet growing demand for authentic ethnic breads.  The
i-Bread ‘Functional’ range focuses on healthy option and ‘functional’ breads, using recipes developed in conjunction with leading nutritionists and dieticians.

CFP is also currently developing new lines in areas including hand-held snacks, premium cakes and healthier-option bakery foods.

CFP has put together an exclusive network of suppliers across Europe, has a joint manufacturing venture in the UK, and is about to launch prepared products to in-store bakeries as well as a range of mixes for the craft bakery sector.

For more information email info@cotswoldfoodpartnership.co.uk or visit www.cotswoldfoodpartnership.co.uk.