Ivy Farm, a cultivated meat manufacturer based in Oxford, is poised to leverage the extensive experience of Gail Francis, who brings three decades of expertise from the global food industry. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with major food manufacturers, brands, startups, and foodservice operators across the UK, Europe, and international markets.
In her most recent position as director of business growth and delivery at Naylor Nutrition, Francis was instrumental in securing funding for a new plant-based production facility. She also played a key role in developing a comprehensive go-to-market strategy that strengthened the company’s position.
In her new capacity at Ivy Farm, Francis will spearhead the company’s commercial development, targeting regulatory approval for its cultivated Wagyu beef in multiple countries worldwide. This strategic direction illustrates Ivy Farm’s ambition to be a leader in the cultivated meat sector.
Reflecting on her appointment, Francis emphasized, “As food companies pursue serious net zero commitments, cultivated meat will be essential in reducing emissions and transforming the food system into one that’s better for both people and the planet.”
“Securing long-term partnerships with global food manufacturers and brands will be key – and Ivy Farm is uniquely positioned to deliver these partnerships thanks to its ability to produce high-quality products at scale.”
Meanwhile, Harsh Amin, Ivy Farm’s interim CEO, expressed pride in welcoming Francis to the team. He stated, “Her extensive experience across the global food industry, including leadership roles at some of the largest food businesses, will be instrumental as we prepare to launch and scale cultivated meat globally.”
Currently, Ivy Farm is scaling its operations with a focus on its global launch. Additionally, the company is keeping a close eye on the regulatory developments in the UK, particularly following the announcement of the Food Standards Agency’s sandbox programme.
However, it is noteworthy that Ivy Farm was not selected among the eight cultivated meat businesses participating in the program. Those selected include Hoxton Farms (UK), BlueNalu (USA), Mosa Meat (The Netherlands), Gourmey (France), Roslin Technologies (UK), Uncommon Bio (UK), Vital Meat (France), and Vow (Australia).
Initially spun out of Oxford University, Ivy Farm has rapidly expanded, now employing more than 50 people. The company has recently inaugurated a new R&D facility and pilot plant in Oxford, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in the food and beverage packaging sector.
