Pérez takes up the position from Jean Martin, who has been president for three elected terms. He is the first president to come from a mid-sized company, ushering in a new perspective to the leadership.

“I look forward to leading this invigorated association as it deals with the great challenges of the coming years though a constructive dialogue with the European institutions”, Pérez said.

“We must make good use of our strengths, enhancing and promoting the cultural and social values of the agri-food sector. We are an industry which is extremely rich and diverse, deeply rooted in local traditions and culture, and as such, we must do everything possible to ensure that Europe’s food and drink industry continues to be the world’s most competitive”.

Of the other 16 board members, five come from SMEs.