Ray Hanly left his Irish homeland to join Beak & Johnston, one of Australia's largest chilled ready meal manufacturers. His goal was to not only grow the company, but to change the minds of Australian consumers about prepared meals. In this episode, Ray talks to Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry about what that involves. Ray talks about the challenge of breaking down consumer mistrust in the sector and the critical need to listen to consumers if you want to succeed. He talks about how meals must be healthy, convenient, and trustworthy for consumers to develop loyalty and how paramount it is to maintain high quality and consistency. He explains the roles automation and technology play in ensuring the consistent production of high-quality meals but how the crew of 800 people who work at Beak & Johnston are the foundation and reason for its success. We talk about the company's latest expansion, with works underway on a $90 million kitchen facility next door to its existing factory in Sydney's West that will ultimately increase the company's output by up to 40 per cent over coming years. ------------------------------ The Food & Drink Business Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Food & Drink Business, owned and published by Yaffa Media. The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Food & Drink Business, Yaffa Media, or the guest's employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media. If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Food & Drink Business via their website www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au or send an email to [email protected] Host: Kim Berry MC: Grant McHerron Editor: Chris Visscher Producer: Steve Visscher Food & Drink Business - © 2022