Patrick Woods takes over as Linwoods MD from dad John after 65 years at helm

Armagh-based Linwoods has appointed Patrick Woods to succeed his father as managing director of the company.

Meanwhile, John Woods, who led the company – one of Ireland’s leading health food brands – for the past 65 years will continue to have a key strategic role in the business.

Patrick, who has worked in the company since a teenager, has a background in food and nutrition, having qualified with a degree in Food Nutrition and Health from CAFRE.

He has two younger siblings, Joseph and Ellen, both of whom are also involved in the business.

Patrick is particularly keen to improve on the sustainability side of the Linwoods business through manufacturing and packaging.

Started over 50 years ago with a small local shop owned by the Woods family in County Armagh, Linwoods is today one of Ireland’s leading health food brands, having experienced an increase in turnover of 17% in 2020-2021.

The company aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of its customers through nutritiously dense, healthy foods using the finest quality plant based ingredients and sustainable production methods.

Patrick is married to Laura, and has a three-year-old daughter, Aoife.

Outside of work, he is immersed in GAA and his local club Madden Raparees, where he is currently chairperson. He also enjoys outdoor exercise regularly such as cycling and walking.

Patrick intends to continue to grow the business with Innovation and Sustainability as key pillars going forward.

His vision for the future of Linwoods can be distilled down to Sustainable Health – both sustainable from a personal point of view where nutrition and diet play a key role in people’s long term health and wellness, and also sustainable for the planet, by promoting plant-based foods and transitioning the business to carbon neutrality over the coming decade.

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