Sam Reader

Sam Reader has a diverse work experience in the food industry. Starting in 2002, they worked in various restaurants, hotels, and private catering events, gaining experience at different levels, including Michelin-starred establishments. In 2006, they completed a 12-month culinary placement at Windham Hill Inn in Vermont, USA, where they worked at a sous chef level in a fine dining restaurant. From 2009 to 2011, Sam was a Development Chef at Adelie Food Holdings, specializing in food-to-go products and baked goods for various retail customers. Sam then joined Kerry Foods in 2011, progressing through different roles in research and development. In 2018, they moved to Tulip Ltd as an NPD and Innovation Senior Manager before transitioning to their most recent role as the Head of Innovation & NPD at Pilgrims UK in 2020. Sam is currently serving as the Innovation & Product Director at Pilgrims UK, starting in August 2022. Throughout their career, Sam has demonstrated expertise in innovation, product development, and leading teams in the food industry.

Sam Reader has a BA (Hons) 1st Class degree in Culinary Arts Management from the University College Birmingham, which was obtained between 2005 and 2009. Prior to that, Sam obtained an NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation & Cooking from the Birmingham College of Food between 2003 and 2005. In addition, Sam has a certification in Building Business Acumen from Acumen Learning. The exact month of obtaining this certification is unspecified, but it was obtained in 2022.