Top 10: Food & Drink Leaders in Europe

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Top 10: Food & Drink Leaders in Europe
These are our Top 10 European food and drink leaders, shaping sustainability, expanding minds and throwing flavour into the kitchens of Europe

Europe - the home of pizza, wine, cheese and paella… it was difficult to choose our Top 10 leaders in European food and drinks, but here’s our pick of the top chefs, food writers, company leaders who are bringing new tastes to the European continent while driving sustainability initiatives across their companies. Join us as we delve into the lives and careers of these remarkable leaders…

10. Maya Leinenbach 

Food creator 

Germany

Maya Leinenbach

In 2019, at just 15 years old, Maya Leinenbach launched her Instagram channel, with the idea of building her own community to fulfil her dream of publishing her own cookbook some day. 

Today, she inspires over 6m subscribers on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest as @Fitgreenmind, with fun plant-based recipes. Maya also founded her own company Fitgreenmind, which is on a mission to inspire people to integrate a sustainable lifestyle into their everyday lives and provide access to vegan food and products. Fitgreenmind shows that plant-based eating is easy and tastes good to many cultures and generations around the world.

9. Nigella Lawson

Food writer and Television cook

England

Nigella Lawson

Nigella Lawson has established herself as a prominent figure in the culinary world, known for her sensual approach to cooking and her accessible recipes. 

She began her career as a journalist and restaurant critic before transitioning to food writing and television. Nigella has authored numerous bestselling cookbooks, including "How to Eat" and "How to Be a Domestic Goddess." 

Her television shows, such as "Nigella Bites" and "Nigella Kitchen," have aired internationally, showcasing her relaxed and indulgent cooking style. Nigella's influence extends beyond the kitchen, as she has become a cultural icon and advocate for home cooking.

8. Nadiya Hussain

Television chef and author

England

Nadiya Hussain

Nadiya Hussain rose to fame after winning the sixth series of BBC's The Great British Bake Off in 2015. Since then, she has become a prominent figure in the culinary world, hosting various television shows and authoring multiple cookbooks. Hussain has presented series such as "Nadiya's British Food Adventure," "Nadiya's Family Favourites," and "Nadiya Bakes." 

Her cookbooks cover a wide range of cuisines and cooking styles, often incorporating her British-Bangladeshi heritage. Nadiya has also been recognised for her contributions to broadcasting and culinary arts, receiving an MBE.

7. Gordon Ramsay

Chef, restaurateur and television personality

Scotland

Youtube Placeholder

Gordon Ramsay is a world-renowned chef, restaurateur and television personality. He has built a culinary empire, owning and operating numerous restaurants worldwide, many of which have been awarded Michelin stars. 

Gordon's television career includes hosting popular shows such as "Hell's Kitchen," "MasterChef," and "Kitchen Nightmares." 

Known for his fiery temper and high standards, Gordon has become one of the most recognisable chefs globally. He has authored several cookbooks and has been involved in various culinary education initiatives. Gordon's influence extends beyond the kitchen, as he has become a cultural icon and advocate for quality in the food industry.

6. Torsten Hufnagel 

ALDI CEO

Germany

Aldi

Torsten Hufnagel serves as the CEO of ALDI Süd, one of the largest discount supermarket chains globally. Under his leadership, ALDI has continued to expand its presence in international markets while maintaining its focus on offering high-quality products at low prices. 

Torsten has overseen the company's efforts to increase its range of organic and sustainable products, responding to changing consumer preferences. He has also been instrumental in ALDI's digital transformation, including the expansion of e-commerce capabilities and the implementation of new technologies in stores to enhance the shopping experience.

5. Gerd Chrzanowski

Schwarz Group CEO

Germany

Lidl

Gerd Chrzanowski is the CEO of the Schwarz Group, which owns and operates Lidl and Kaufland, two major players in the European retail market. Under Gerd’s leadership, the Schwarz Group has continued its expansion strategy, entering new markets and strengthening its position in existing ones. He has overseen the company's efforts to increase sustainability across its operations, including initiatives to reduce plastic waste and increase the use of renewable energy. Gerd has also focused on digital transformation, investing in e-commerce capabilities and digital technologies to enhance the customer experience.

4. Dolf van den Brink

Heineken CEO

Netherlands

Dolf van den Brink

Dolf van den Brink is the CEO of Heineken, one of the world's largest brewing companies. Since taking the helm, Dolf has focused on navigating the company through the challenges posed by the global pandemic while also driving long-term growth strategies. He believes in the importance of sustainability in Heineken's operations, setting ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and water usage. Dolf has also overseen the company's efforts to expand its portfolio beyond beer, including investments in non-alcoholic beverages and hard seltzers to respond to changing consumer preferences.

3. Antoine de Saint-Affrique

Danone CEO

France

Antoine de Saint-Affrique

Antoine de Saint-Affrique is the CEO of Danone, a global leader in the food and beverage industry. Since joining Danone, Antoine has focused on driving growth and innovation while maintaining the company's commitment to social and environmental responsibility. He has emphasised the importance of plant-based products and has overseen the expansion of Danone's offerings in this category. Antoine has also led efforts to improve the company's operational efficiency and has worked to strengthen Danone's position in emerging markets.

2. Hein Schumacher

Unilever CEO 

Netherlands

Hein Schumacher

Hein Schumacher is the CEO of Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer goods companies. In his role, Hein has focused on driving sustainable growth and innovation across Unilever's diverse portfolio of food, refreshment, home care and personal care brands. 

He has emphasised the importance of purpose-driven brands and has led efforts to improve the company's environmental and social impact. Hein has also overseen Unilever's digital transformation, investing in e-commerce capabilities and data-driven marketing strategies to better serve consumers.

1. Guillaume Le Cunff

Nestlé CEO

France

Guillaume Le Cunff

Guillaume Le Cunff was made Nestlé’s CEO of Zone Europe in June 2024, after having worked at Nestlé for more than a quarter of a century.

He was appointed President of Nespresso USA in 2015, where he drove geographic expansion and organic growth, introducing initiatives such as Reviving Origins, which is a programme aimed at supporting coffee regions that have endured conflicts or natural disasters.

Following this, Guillaume held pivotal roles across various markets and business units, including leading the company's operations in the Asia, Oceania and Africa regions.

Having held various leadership positions across multiple countries, including France, Spain and Switzerland, Guillaume has a deep understanding of the European market.

Under Guillaume’s stewardship, Nestlé aims to accelerate its sustainability initiatives, aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and use 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025.

“I have always firmly believed that impact on people, planet, and business performance go hand in hand, and that companies like ours have a critical role to play in making coffee a force for good,” he said.
 

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