Minerva Dairy is welcoming a well-versed member to its leadership lineup, introducing longtime food scientist and lifelong industry member Kenneth “Ken” S. Ray as its new Director of Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Sanitation.
“Working in the family business afforded me an opportunity to learn and grow my business acumen early in life while gaining an understanding and appreciation of food safety and cleanliness,” said Ray, who grew up on a cattle and hog farm in rural Kentucky, where his parents also owned and operated a local feedmill. “Working with the team at Minerva Dairy provides me an opportunity to learn from and contribute to many generations of butter experts and cheese artisans, and I very much look forward to that.”
The company reported that Ray will elevate the industry-leading food safety standards of its award-winning dairy.
“We are delighted to welcome Ken to Minerva Dairy, where my family has been making cheese and butter for over a century. Ken joins us on that mission to make better butter and cheese, which we no doubt will, thanks to his expertise and knowledge in all aspects of food safety and quality assurance,” commented Venae Watts, fifth-generation Co-Owner.
Ray’s portfolio showcases a deep knowledge of regulatory affairs, serving in director and executive positions for companies like 8th Avenue Food & Provisions and for Mom’s Meals, a Purfoods company, respectively. Most recently, he was Senior Director of Quality and Regulatory for Smith Foods Inc. and, previously, Quality and Sanitation Manager and Vice President of Tech Services (Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory) for Kraft Heinz Co.
Having worked his way up from a start in laboratory testing, food microbiology, and food chemistry, Ray’s passion for food safety is clear.
Congratulations to the company and its newest addition!
