International Women's Day, celebrated every year on March 8th, is a powerful moment to recognise the incredible achievements of women across all sectors. This year, we want to shine a light on some remarkable women who have not only carved out successful paths in the food industry but have also inspired countless others with their vision, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The world of food, from sustainable farming to organic retail, is being shaped by innovative female founders and industry figures. Let's delve into the stories of a few who are making a significant impact:
Elena Deminska: Cultivating Community with Fermary
Elena Deminska is the founder of FERMARY, a fermentation-led brand built on more than two decades of hands-on experience across the food industry.
Her career spans retail, direct-to-consumer trade, growers, suppliers and foodservice. Early experience within London’s independent food scene, including trading environments such as Borough Market, gave her a ground-level understanding of customer behaviour, margin realities and the discipline required to build repeat demand. Over 20 years spent working directly with customers shaped her instinct for what builds trust and sustains long-term brand value.
FERMARY sits at the intersection of heritage craft and modern market insight. Drawing on fermentation traditions passed down through the women in her family, Elena has translated ancient preservation methods into a premium and accessible proposition for today’s consumer.
It builds on Elena’s earlier work helping to shape contemporary fermentation standards in the UK, raising expectations around quality, accessibility and product integrity. Now produced at New Covent Garden Market, FERMARY partners with five generations of British growers to deliver true seed-to-jar transparency. The products are 100 percent raw, unpasteurised and living, designed for contemporary retail and foodservice environments.
As a predominantly female-led team operating within a historically male-dominated supply chain landscape, FERMARY represents a considered shift in food production leadership, combining technical expertise, commercial rigour and long-term thinking.
Speaking about joining Buy Women Built, Elena says:
“For me, being part of Buy Women Built is about visibility. Fermentation was passed down through the women in my family, and today we are building a modern business on that foundation. When consumers choose women-built brands, they are not just buying a product, they are shaping the future of who gets to build.” Learn more here.
Through FERMARY, Elena continues to demonstrate that purpose and profitability are not opposing forces, but mutually reinforcing foundations for strong and enduring food brands.
Carole Bamford: Pioneering Organic Living with Daylesford
Carole Bamford's name is synonymous with the organic movement, largely due to her tireless work in establishing Daylesford over 20 years ago. What started as a simple farmshop in the Cotswolds has blossomed into a thriving organic empire, encompassing farms, a creamery, bakery, cafés, a cookery school, a green Michelin-starred restaurant, and homeware and the Bamford Wellness Spa. Carole's unwavering commitment to sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and producing delicious, wholesome food has set a benchmark for organic living. Her dedication to quality and her ability to creating a holistic lifestyle brand around her core values has made Daylesford a beacon in the organic food world and inspired many others to embrace nature - and a more conscious way of eating and living.
Anne-Marie Dyas: The Art of Fine Cheese
For those who appreciate the nuanced world of artisanal cheese, Anne-Marie Dyas of The Fine Cheese Co. is a name to know. Anne-Marie dedicated her career to sourcing and championing exceptional cheeses, both from the UK and across Europe. Her discerning palate and deep understanding of cheesemaking have made her a respected figure in the industry. Beyond simply selling cheese, Anne-Marie's company plays a vital role in educating consumers and supporting small, independent cheesemakers. She has elevated the appreciation of fine cheese, making it accessible to a wider audience and showcasing the incredible craftsmanship involved in its production.
Renée Elliott: The Organic Retail Revolution with Planet Organic
Renée Elliott is a true pioneer in the organic retail space, having founded Planet Organic, the UK's first organic supermarket. Before organic food was mainstream, Renée had the foresight to create a destination for health-conscious consumers seeking ethical and sustainable food choices.
Her vision helped to kickstart the organic retail revolution in the UK, making healthy, organic produce and products more accessible to urban populations. Renée's entrepreneurial spirit and her commitment to offering a wide range of organic and free-from options have had a lasting impact on how we shop for food and our understanding of healthy living.
These women, each in their unique way, demonstrate the power of leadership, innovation, and passion within the food industry. From cultivating the land to curating gourmet experiences and revolutionising retail, their contributions are undeniable.
This International Women's Day, let's celebrate Elena, Carole, Anne-Marie, and Renée, along with countless other women who are shaping the future of food. Their stories remind us that with vision and determination, women can achieve extraordinary things and lead the way towards a more sustainable, delicious, and equitable food system for all.
