There’s something wonderfully energising about chatting with someone who genuinely loves what they do — and Zoe Plant radiates that kind of spark. As NPD & Innovation Manager at Food WorksSW, she’s at the heart of some of the region’s most exciting food and drink developments, guiding businesses from first idea to finished product. We caught up over Teams (with a few Wi-Fi wobbles!) for a fun, free‑flowing conversation about routines, adventures, music, mango‑gin cocktails, and the occasional questionable egg…
What does your Monday morning routine look like?
Honestly, it’s not very glamorous! I’m up at 6:20, out the door by 7, and at work for 8. The three of us who start early get everything ready for the day — teas, coffees, pastries, car park duty, reception, pointing people to meetings. After that it could be anything: emails, a full day in the kitchen with a customer, or helping set up events. In the afternoon we usually have a team meeting once things quieten down.
What has been the best moment in your career?
There have been lots of little highlights, but a big one was when Food Works officially opened and Princess Anne came to visit. I shook her hand — quite amazing! Getting my degree in Food & Nutrition from London South Bank was another huge moment. And I’ve been lucky enough to work with some well‑known chefs over the years, which was great fun.
What has been the worst moment in your career?
Probably the time I walked out of a job when I was young. I won’t name the place, but the kitchen environment was awful and people just weren’t nice. Back then, in chefing, you could leave one job and walk into another the next day, so I didn’t put up with it. I don’t think the industry is like that anymore, thankfully.
If you could swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
I’d love to swap with Tim Peake for a day — go up into space, do all the mad astronaut training, float around in the suit, run experiments. Just one day though! That would be enough.
What’s one thing you’ve tried once but would never do again?
Food-wise: oysters. I’ve tried them once and that was plenty — the raw, slippery texture just isn’t for me.
Activity-wise: rock climbing. Never again! It’s funny because I’d happily go into space in a rocket, but hanging onto a rock with a rope? Terrifying.
If you had to create a signature cocktail or dish named after you, what would it be?
A gin-based cocktail with something exotic — mango, passion fruit, maybe pomegranate, topped with a bit of Prosecco. Almost like a mango lassi with gin in it. I’m sure it already exists somewhere!
What’s your most treasured possession and what’s the story behind it?
My son. Easy answer. He’s 11 now and absolutely my most treasured thing in the world.
Share a quote or motto that inspires you or by which you live your life.
“Buy cheap, buy twice.” It’s simple, but it’s true — especially with equipment and tech. Sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more so it actually lasts.
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be and why?
I’d have Wonder Woman’s lasso of truth. Imagine being able to make sure people are always straight with you!
What job is the favourite you’ve ever had and what made it so special?
The one I’m in now. It’s the longest I’ve ever stayed in a job — six years in January — which says a lot. In catering I used to move every year or two to learn new skills, but at Food Works every day is different. I work with so many customers, all with different products and needs, plus the events, the café, the business lounge… there’s always something happening. I’m really grateful to be here.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Jumping out of a plane from 10,000 feet — a tandem skydive. Friends convinced me it was a good idea, and it actually was! The freefall is over quickly, then the parachute opens and you’re just floating, looking at the countryside. It’s surreal and beautiful.
If you could meet any person for a conversation, who would it be and why?
I actually thought of people who’ve passed away. Nelson Mandela and David Bowie… imagine them at the same dinner table! I met Mandela once very briefly at an event but never got to speak to him, so I’d love that chance.
What are you currently listening to?
A real mix — 90s music, house, all sorts. At the moment I’m enjoying Little Simz. I tend to flit around depending on my mood.
What is your favourite South West food/drink product on the market right now and why?
This is impossible because all my customers will hate me if I pick one! So I’m going to cheat slightly and say the Great Taste Awards. I used to be a judge, and they support so many brilliant South West producers. It’s lovely seeing local businesses get the recognition they deserve.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
A fermented duck egg in Vietnam — the kind where you crack it open and there’s a partially developed chick inside. It’s a delicacy there. I tried a tiny bit so I wouldn’t be disrespectful, but I can’t say I enjoyed it!
What is happening in your life that you would like a shout‑out about?
Work-wise, we’ve got lots of free support available for food and drink businesses across the West of England — Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. If you go to the Food WorksSW website and look under Business Support, you can sign up for the West of England funded programme and access help with everything from start-up guidance to SALSA and BRCGS certification. Definitely worth a look.
You can connect with Zoe through her LinkedIn profile and through The Foodworks SW website.
