MISTLEY-based food ingredient producers EDME has appointed a new sales manager.

Ashley Clinton will become the point of contact for customers who are experimenting, innovating, producing and selling in a growing market.

Before joining EDME, Mr Clinton worked with Sukrin, which produces natural, low sugar, low carb, gluten-free easy-to-bake mixes and ingredients.

“Ashley’s experience with retailers and consumer brands will be a great asset, especially since it relates to the rapidly growing sectors of free-from and gluten-free sector,” said EDME sales director Mike Carr.

In 2016, Kantar research stated that gluten-free accounts for 60 per cent of the free-from market and was last year valued at £440 million.

EDME is best known for flours, flakes and mixes produced from wholegrains and malted cereal grains. Then, two years ago, the company installed a new, state-of-the-art gluten-free mill.

“The flours it produces are superb quality,” said Mr Clinton.

“They’re from pulses, seeds and gluten-free cereals. Fava bean, lentil and chickpea; linseed, chia and pumpkin; maize, sorghum and buckwheat – they all have great nutritional and dietary benefits.

“The trick for bakers and other food manufacturers is to understand how to use them to best effect. We can help with that.”

Mr Clinton said he’s delighted to be joining an ingredient company that’s so involved with both ends of the supply chain – and so committed to providing technical support.

“Bakers and food manufacturers can just buy from us. But they can also tap into our resources. Our teams have massive insight into the raw materials, know about applications and can help with anything from product development to idea pitching.

“I’m enjoying digging my teeth into wholegrain and malt products – and getting the inside track on their applications and nutritional values.”

“I’m looking forward to using my experience with retailers and consumer brands to the advantage of EDME’s customers.”