Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne Laureation
In the name and on behalf of the Senate, I have the privilege to present for the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration, Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne.
Lucinda is the visionary founder of Genius Foods, a UK-based company specialising in gluten-free bakery. Today, we celebrate her remarkable journey and recognise the significant contribution she has made to innovation in the food industry and the entrepreneurial landscape in Scotland. We also celebrate how her work has improved the lives of countless individuals around the world.
Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Her story begins with a deep-rooted passion for food and a commitment to making a difference.
After earning her BSc in Physiology from Queen Mary University of London, Lucinda retrained as a chef with the prestigious Leith School of Food and Wine in London, an institution set up by QMU’s former Chancellor, Dame Prue Leith. Lucinda’s culinary skills and scientific knowledge laid the foundation for what would become a ground-breaking career.
However, it was a personal challenge that truly ignited Lucinda's innovative spirit. When her sons were diagnosed with multiple food allergies and severe intolerance to gluten, Lucinda faced a dilemma that many parents can relate to – the struggle to find safe, nutritious, and delicious food options for her children. This challenge became the catalyst for her mission to create gluten-free bread that would not only meet the dietary needs of her family but also satisfy the taste buds of consumers everywhere.
In 2009, Lucinda founded Genius Foods, a company that has since become a global leader in gluten-free products. To ensure the success of Genius, Lucinda never faltered in her determination to address the challenges involved in perfecting gluten-free food items. A journey of experimentation and innovation ensured that her products would eventually meet her high standards for taste and texture. Thousands of hours spent on recipe perfection eventually paid off, and Genius Foods quickly gained recognition for its high-quality produce that would make a substantially positive difference to the lives of people with coeliac disease and other gluten-induced conditions.
Lucinda's dedication to quality and innovation has set a new standard in the gluten-free market, making Genius Foods a household name and a trusted choice for consumers around the world.
Her products, which include different types of bread, rolls, pastries, pies, snacks and treats, have brought joy and relief to millions of people who struggle with food allergies and intolerances, allowing them to enjoy delicious meals without compromising their health.
Genius Foods is not just a brand; it is a testament to Lucinda's ingenuity and her commitment to improving the lives of those with dietary restrictions. Her innovative approach to food science has earned her numerous accolades, and Genius Foods has won multiple industry awards, including the Award for the Most Innovative Product from Coeliac UK and the Award for Innovation at the Free-From Food Awards.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Lucinda is a respected author and educator. Her books, including ‘How to Cook for Food Allergies’ and the co-authored ‘Leith’s Techniques Bible’, have provided invaluable guidance to home cooks and professional chefs alike. Her expertise in allergy-free cooking has empowered countless individuals to navigate the complexities of dietary restrictions with confidence and creativity.
In the last two months, Lucinda has been appointed the Executive Chair of the New Town Cookery School in Edinburgh – an award-winning cookery school established by QMU graduate, Fiona Burrell. For the last 16 years, this prestigious establishment has developed an outstanding reputation for its wide range of cooking and culinary classes. And, with Lucinda now instrumental in shaping the next chapter of the school’s development, we know the New Town Cookery School continues to be in safe hands.
Lucinda's contributions also extend beyond the kitchen. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, a founding member of the Gluten Free Industry Association, and an Innovate UK ambassador. Her leadership and advocacy have driven significant advancements in food science and industry standards, ensuring that the needs of those with food allergies and intolerances are met with compassion and innovation.
Lucinda's success is not just measured by the awards and accolades she has received, but by the countless lives she has touched. Her products have provided a sense of normalcy and enjoyment to those who have struggled with dietary restrictions. For many, Genius Foods has been a game-changer, allowing them to enjoy meals with their families without fear of adverse reactions.
Her impact also extends beyond the gluten-free market. She has inspired a new generation of food scientists and entrepreneurs to think creatively and compassionately about the needs of consumers. She has shown that it is possible to create products that are both delicious and safe, and her success has paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps.
Throughout the history of Queen Margaret University, we have always strived to respond to the changing needs of society and to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As we honour Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne today, we recognise how her work and character aligns with QMU’s mission of making a difference in the world, and how her ability to innovate and create new products to meet changing consumer demands resonates with the work of the QMU-based Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation.
Lucinda, you are indeed an inspiration to all our new graduates here today, and to our wider student body. Your work has not only positively impacted the lives of your own family but has also addressed the health issues of millions of people around the world, enabling them to enjoy the pleasures of eating in a way that the rest of us take for granted.
To our new graduates, as we reflect on your achievements today, I hope Lucinda’s story inspires and motivates all of you to pursue your own passions with the same determination and creativity that she has demonstrated throughout her life and career. Indeed, she is a shining example of what can be achieved when we combine passion with purpose.
Chancellor, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to food development and innovation, I have much pleasure in inviting you to confer upon Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration.
