SDT names new president at AGM
Nick Edwards and Mike Pinches
The Society of Dairy Technology held its annual general meeting online and introduced its new president, Mike Pinches, who has been executive vice president previously. He takes over from Nick Edwards, who has been president for the past two years.
Pinches is an experienced manager with a history of success and a proven record of both technical sales and business management, according to the Society. He has worked for many years in the ingredients supply industry and witnessed consistent and continuous improvements in a commercially focused career. More recently, he has stopped full time work but retains a strong interest in the industry and runs a small consultancy business with a focus on fermentation of foods. Pinches has served on the council of the Society of Dairy Technology since 2020.
Edwards noted during the AGM that the industry is still growing, and the Society is also seeing gains due to its networking forums, which is critical to further develop regional events. The SDT has also been active in reaching out to all UK dairies, which has brought several new company members on board. The SDT has developed links with other organisations such as the Nordic Dairy Technology Council, which is running the Nordic Dairy Congress, being held 20-22 May 2025 in Reykjavik, Iceland. The International Journal of Dairy Technology (IJDT) has been a significant asset again this year, he observed.
Meanwhile, boosted by the 80th anniversary conference held at the University College of Cork, SDT’s total membership is around 500 at present. He also noted the summer seminar and annual dinner was another resounding success, and is increasing year on year. “Let’s keep our membership base growing. Michael Mullen and his team are now delivering the market leading publication in our field, and the monthly newsletter is being seen on social media sites. I have found it a great honour to serve the Society as president and an enjoyable one,” Edwards concluded.
Honorary treasurer Alan Stack gave the news that the SDT had strong financial progress this year, due to success of the journal, along with excellent attendance at the annual dinner and meetings. “IJDT has continued its success, and while the development of open access was originally seen as a threat, it has continued to thrive,” he noted. Authors pay to publish, and for the public, it is free to view. Royalties have continued to improve, and there has been succession planning put in place for the journal.
Phil Lynch and Dave Hemmings of Aquabio then spoke about its technology for the efficient treatment and reuse of industrial wastewater.
