From Insight to Impact: Meet Rachel Smith, Head of Innovation at Greencore
From Insight to Impact: How the FFM Accelerator Transforms Mindsets, Skills, and Sustainability Goals.
The food industry is at a pivotal moment, facing urgent challenges that demand bold action. From climate change to health crises, the need for sustainable innovation has never been greater.
For those ready to lead, the Future Food Movement Healthy Sustainable Diets Accelerator programme provides the tools, knowledge and network to turn ambition into action, equipping professionals with the skills to embed sustainability and health into everyday processes, influencing change across their organisations.
But what’s it really like to be part of the Accelerator? Hear firsthand from Rachel Smith, Head of Innovation at Greencore:
“My understanding of sustainability has evolved significantly. Often seen as just packaging or carbon, sustainability encompasses so much more. Using a systems thinking approach, I now focus on the various levers we can pull to help customers make healthier, more sustainable choices. With the scale of our business and diverse categories, we have both the opportunity and responsibility to provide meaningful options.
I also believe it’s time to rethink success metrics beyond purely commercial goals. Health, sustainability and cost reduction can - and should - work together to achieve a ‘triple win’ for people, planet, and profit. By aligning these priorities, we can create clear, shared objectives that inspire and unite teams across the business.
The programme not only has opened up a circle of influential leaders, but it has supported my strategic thinking. With the resources available and industry contacts, I have been able to confidently provide updates to all levels of the business on the changing landscape and I am well placed to lead the agenda with our partner retailers.”
Quickfire questions:
Would you recommend the programme to others working in food?
Absolutely, the more teams that are educated the more impact we can have – I really believe that collaboration is the key to success.
What advice would you give to others to help shape a better food future?
Take the time out to stop, think and educate yourself and your teams on the state of play. The upskilling has provided me with the “why” which has helped with my story-telling in order to influence others.
How has being part of the FFM community supported you?
Being part of a community where we can share ideas and hear different perspectives provokes new ideas, but I’ve also left with a network of contacts that I know share the same goals that I can rely on in the future.
Are You Ready to Lead the Change?
Healthy Sustainable Diets Accelerator: Join the next cohort, starting March 4th 2025 [Explore the programme and secure your spot].