Celebrating the Women Behind Every Meal, Delivery, and Innovation

March is International Women’s Month, a time to celebrate the impact of women across every industry and every role. And when it comes to the food industry, women have been making things happen behind the scenes for centuries – often without getting the credit they deserve.

From International Women’s Day which highlights gender equality and women’s achievements, to Mother’s Day, recognising the balancing act of working mothers, this month is the perfect time to shine a light on the women who keep the food industry moving – from kitchens to supply chains, logistics, and food technology.

At Qnetex, we’re always looking at how technology shapes industries, and last year, we explored how women are making waves in IT (read the blog here). But it’s not just tech – women are driving change in food distribution, sustainability, and supply chain innovation, proving that the industry is no longer just about who’s in the kitchen.

 

International Women’s Day: Built on the Work of the Suffragettes

We can’t talk about women’s progress in the workplace without recognising the Suffragettes, who fought for equal rights and opportunities in the early 20th century. Their determination didn’t just win the right to vote – it paved the way for better working conditions, equal pay movements, and career opportunities that were previously closed to women.

International Women’s Day reminds us how far we’ve come – but also how much work there still is to do. In the food industry, gender diversity is increasing, but women are still underrepresented in leadership roles, supply chain management, and food technology. That’s why celebrating progress and pushing for change is so important.

 

Trailblazing Women Who Changed the Food Industry

Women have played a critical role in shaping the food industry – whether by introducing new ingredients, revolutionising nutrition science, or standardising the way we cook.

 

Fannie Farmer (1857–1915): The Measurement Pioneer

Before Fannie Farmer, recipes were a guessing game – “a pinch of this, a handful of that.” She standardised modern cooking measurements (tablespoons, cups, precise oven temperatures) in The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book (1896). Thanks to her, cooking became more consistent and scalable, something that professional kitchens, food manufacturers, and home cooks still rely on today.

 

Elizabeth David (1913–1992): The Woman Who Brought Mediterranean Flavours to Britain

At a time when post-war Britain was relying on rationed, bland food, Elizabeth introduced the UK to olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and Mediterranean cooking. Her books, like A Book of Mediterranean Food (1950), changed the way British households and professional chefs thought about ingredients and flavours.

 

Elsie Widdowson (1906–2000): The Woman Who Revolutionised Food Nutrition

Not all food pioneers were chefs – some, like Elsie Widdowson (British nutritionist), changed the industry through science and innovation. A dietitian and chemist, she played a vital role during World War II, ensuring that Britain’s rationed food still met people’s nutritional needs. Her research led to vitamin fortification in bread and milk, helping to improve public health and shaping modern nutritional guidelines.

 

Modern Women Steering the Food Industry

Breaking Barriers in the Kitchen & Beyond

For years, professional kitchens were dominated by men, even though women were expected to cook at home. That’s no longer the case – today, more women than ever are leading Michelin-starred restaurants, food enterprises, and culinary innovations.

But the food industry isn’t just about chefs. It’s about logistics, sustainability, and technology – and women are stepping up in all these areas.

 

Women in Supply Chain & Logistics

The food industry doesn’t run without logistics – from warehouse management to global food distribution, women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles:

Did you know?

• Over 42% of people working in food manufacturing are women, but fewer than 20% hold leadership roles. (Source: The Manufacturer)
• Women like Meinir Childs, Alison Maffin, and Lauren Lepley have been recognised for their leadership in UK grocery supply chains, improving waste management, sustainability, and availability. (Source: The Grocer)

Women in Food Technology & Sustainability

Technology is at the heart of modern food production, and women are leading some of the biggest innovations:

• Anya Doherty, founder of Foodsteps, created a platform to help food businesses track and reduce their environmental footprint. Her work is vital in promoting sustainability across the sector. (Source: Reuters)
• More women are stepping into AI-driven supply chain management, sustainable packaging innovation, and digital logistics platforms, proving that food technology is no longer just a male-dominated field.

Organisations like Women in Food and Farming, Women in the Food Industry, and Women in Logistics UK are supporting and empowering women to thrive in these roles.

 

Supporting Working Mothers in the Food Industry

With Mother’s Day coming up, it’s important to recognise the working mums who juggle careers in foodservice, supply chain, and logistics while balancing family life.

So, how can the industry better support working mothers?

• Flexible working hours – Essential for roles in warehouses, distribution centres, and food production.
• Parental leave policies – Strong policies help retain female talent and create better work-life balance.
• More leadership opportunities – Women shouldn’t just be in entry-level roles – they should be running the show!

Many organisations, including Women in the Food Industry, are advocating for policies that ensure women don’t have to choose between career growth and family responsibilities.

 

Final Thoughts: Celebrating the Women Who Keep the Food Industry Moving

Last year, we celebrated Women in IT, this year we’re recognising the women leading in foodservice, logistics, and sustainability – because they are just as vital in keeping the world running. From Elsie Widdowson’s nutrition science to modern female leaders transforming supply chains, the industry wouldn’t function without women. So, as we celebrate International Women’s Month, International Women’s Day, and Mother’s Day, let’s make sure we recognise, support, and champion the women who make it all happen. Because when we invest in women, we strengthen the entire industry.

Who’s a woman in the food industry that inspires you?