Giles Drewett founded Plant-Ex Ingredients in 2010 and has led its growth from a 2,500 sq ft unit into a manufacturer with more than 100 staff and revenues of around £20 to 25 million. The company produces natural colours, top note flavours, extracts and food protection systems for food and drink manufacturers worldwide, and now operates across the UK, US, Poland and Turkey, with products reaching customers in over 50 countries.
In 2024, Plant-Ex secured a £9 million minority investment from BGF to fund international expansion, particularly into the US market, alongside opening a Chicago office and doubling production capacity at a new factory in Avonmouth, Bristol. As part of that growth phase, Giles moved from Managing Director to CEO, bringing in Trevor Debenham as MD to run operations, finance, HR and ESG, while Giles focuses on product and design innovation, sales and marketing, and overseas opportunities.
Earlier in his career, Giles spent time at Industrial Fragrances Ltd. Alongside running Plant-Ex, he is co-founder of Itch Investors Ltd and serves as a judge for the Wales Food and Drink Awards.