SRUC

Hi I'm
Ceri Ritchie

  • Position: Principal Consultant (part-time)
  • Location: North East Scotland
  • Expertise:
    • Food and Drink
    • Business Management and Finance

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As Principal Consultant (part-time) at SAC Consulting I undertake project work for a variety of clients across Scotland. In my career I have held a number of senior positions within SRUC and at the Cooperative Wholesale Society (CWS). Since joining SAC Consulting, I have worked on a number of projects, ranging from regional economic strategies and major Scotland-wide projects to one-to-one company advice. I am passionate about supporting enterprise creation and entrepreneurial ambition.

With 40 years' management and marketing experience in the UK's food & drink supply chain I have more recently focussed on local food & drink, food tourism, rural enterprise and delivering THRIVE, a weekend school for the next generation of entrepreneurs in Scotland’s food & drink and rural sector.

With an understanding of what drives consumer behaviour and key industry challenges, such as climate change and sustainability, I provide strategic advice to a range of businesses and organisations. As an established and well-respected project manager I also manage the Scottish Government's £4M annual Veterinary Services Programme and managed Connect Local, the Scottish Government's Local Food & Drink Marketing Advisory Service (2016 to 2020). While working in the UK grocery sector for the Cooperative Wholesale Society I was responsible for procuring key grocery ranges, latterly as a Category Manager and prior to that a Senior Buyer, Buyer and Product Manager.

In my time at SRUC I have held a number of industry-wide roles, including representing SRUC on the Scotland Food and Drink Executive Group from 2007 to 2017. 

Areas of expertise and interests

  • Food and Drink
  • Business Management and Finance

I'm currently working on

  • supporting development, growth and strategic marketing in Scotland’s micro and SME local food and drink, and food tourism businesses
  • supporting and advising Scotland’s regional food groups
  • developing alternative food and non-food products farming enterprises for biodiversity and sustainability
  • delivering THRIVE – a weekend school for the next generation of entrepreneurs in Scotland’s food and drink sector
  • supporting diversification in Scotland’s farming and rural economy
  • facilitating the AgriScot Diversified Farm of the Year Award
  • project managing the Scottish Government’s Veterinary Services Programme delivered by SRUC veterinary colleagues

My professional highlights

  • One of the three finalists for Inspirational Woman of the Year 2020 as part of the Business Women Scotland Awards
  • Awarded the SRUC ‘R C Stewart Award’ for extension and advisory work for industry
  • Working with Scotland’s fantastic and inspiring food and drink businesses every day
  • Acting as a judge for a number of industry-wide business awards
  • Contributing author to the book: ‘Breaking with Tradition – Building Partnerships & Alliances in the European Food Industry’, a business publication produced in association with Wye College, University of London & the Institute of Grocery Distribution

Find out more about our consulting services

SAC Consulting

Our consultants in 25 offices across Scotland and northern England turn research into advice and advantage for business and public sector alike.

Consulting news

Check out our SRUC News consulting & commercial section to find articles about our commercial partnerships and consulting activities.

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Business Services

Our business services work across food supply chains and the natural economy to help clients rise to the challenge of climate change and scientific and technological transformation.

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