About

Who thefoodpeople are

thefoodpeople are dedicated professionals from across the food industry. We live for food trends and thrive on creating market-leading food concepts. Our team is as talented as it is diverse. From chefs and nutritionists, food technologists and brand specialists to researchers, product illustrators and packaging designers, thefoodpeople team has one thing in common: a passion for food. Together, we have been supporting brands, retailers, manufacturers and service providers around the world with information on food trends and unique food idea generation expertise since 2004. Heading up our team of foodies are Wayne, Charles and Sarah.

Wayne’s food journey

Wayne’s journey started at his mother’s side, stirring at the kitchen table. Catering college followed and it wasn’t long before he was working for Raymond Blanc at Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. Next came teaching French cookery and running his own outside catering company.

After working in food retailing at Harrods, Wayne spent a number of years developing and managing businesses in the food manufacturing industry. At Grampian, he met Charles. A friendship began and, out of a shared passion, a new business was born: thefoodpeople.

“thefoodpeople have a passion for food. We understand food and have a hands-on knowledge of the food industry. We help our clients find the innovation that makes profit.”

Charles’ food journey

After-school sessions in the kitchen is where Charles’ journey began. Hours spent training as a chef led to him winning the title of Junior Chef of the Year. From there, he went to France to learn more, before returning home to take a degree in catering and business.

From high-street restaurants, he moved into new product development at Saxby’s. By the time he left for Grampian, Charles was head of this department, a role in which he would continue, working with, among others, Sainsbury’s. There he met Wayne and the seeds for thefoodpeople were sown.

“The reason that thefoodpeople exists is because we’ve been in your shoes. We know what it’s like; we know it’s not easy generating ideas and identifying trends.”

Sarah’s food journey

Sarah’s food journey has its roots in French cuisine. She trained at the famous Brassart family’s L’École de Cuisine Française in Sussex, before heading for Europe and perfecting her culinary craft.

Next was a return to her former school to teach cuisine and service and a move to Burberry as a food consultant, developing their food gift range. Then she set up her own catering company in London. Having worked with Wayne for many years, Sarah helped establish thefoodpeople.

“Trends move so fast: as editor of foodwatching, it is my responsibility to provide the first piece of the puzzle, to inform and to inspire.”