A firm at the head of the table when it comes to testing the nation's food and drink to ensure it is fit for purpose has named a new technical director.

Research company Campden BRI has appointed Chris Huscroft as technology director for its centre of technical excellence (CoTE).

Mr Huscroft is a chemical engineer and has held senior innovation and research roles at CSM Bakery Solutions, British Arkady Company, Pura Foods and Procter & Gamble.

He will be responsible for driving the development of technology research and services and working with members of the Cotswold-headquartered firm's senior leadership team "to develop and implement the company strategy".

And he will lead 70 staff across the technology departments of the company's Centre for Technical Excellence (COTE), which includes technology, regulatory and information activities.

The CoTE provides a broad range of clients - from SMEs up to global multinationals - with research, bespoke operational support, training and consultancy services.

Mr Huscroft brings with him almost 40 years' industrial experience of research and development and product development in bakery and food ingredients.