Meet the Fresh Finesse Team

Noelene Swain:  Director

After a stint in the wholesale fresh produce markets in the 1980’s, Noelene has lived the industry’s warning that once you’ve worked in the markets you never leave.  Her markets experience provided a great base from which to launch Fresh Finesse - a specialist promotion service for the fresh food sector in 1993.  Since that time she has continued to excel in developing specialist marketing and promotion opportunities for fresh food with a particular devotion to local produce.

Noelene has over 20 years experience working with the horticulture industry, including developing consumer strategies for the Australian Mushroom industry for 12 years. Her background in food and Home Economics has been complemented with expertise in marketing and she has lectured in this area at university in recent times. Her commitment to the marketing of fresh produce lead to her being awarded the Australian United Fresh award for Outstanding Personal Contribution to the industry in 2004.

Now with two young children, Noelene’s particular passion is the importance of teaching our kids the joy and benefits of enjoying fresh delicious food.

Christine Simpson:  Promotion Manager

For almost two decades Christine has worked in media and promotion for the WA fresh food industry at all levels from 'paddock to plate'. Her career has encompassed the horticulture, dairy, meat and seafood industries at wholesale, retail and consumer level. Her knowledge of the seasonal availability of WA fruit and vegetables comes from regular contact with industry stakeholders over many years. Chris’ dulcet tones have been a regular on WA radio waves as her fans are captivated by the latest in luscious fresh updates.

Integral to the promotion of fresh fruit and vegetables is the role that increased consumption plays in the health of the population. Christine believes that the indisputable link between good food and good health is a strong motivation for increased collaboration between health professionals and primary industry. 

Erica Salih:  Demonstration Promotion Co-ordinator

Erica is the Promotions Coordinator at Fresh Finesse.  As an integral member of the Fresh Finesse team, Erica coordinates in-store demonstrations, events and shopping centre promotions.

Prior to time taken off to raise two children Erica lived and worked in London as an office manager for a large computer company.  Erica has had extensive experience in the hospitality industry from cooking & serving food to assisting the manager of the banqueting department at the Dorchester Hotel and acting PA to the hotel Deputy Manager. 

For over three years Erica has managed all types of promotions from small to large, indoors to outdoors, maintaining a dedicated and enthusiastic team of demonstrators who all have a keen interest in fresh food.  Anything is possible to obtain results the client is looking for.

Nola Kennett:  Food Marketing and Media Manager

As the Food Marketing and Media Manager at Fresh Finesse, Nola spends her time writing recipes, designing marketing material and chatting on radio about what’s fresh and in season. Nola has had extensive experience in the hospitality industry, teaching Home Economics in schools and co-ordinating and teaching leisure cooking classes. 

Nola has a passion for fresh produce and spends a lot of time checking out what’s new and different on the greengrocers’ shelves. With previous experience in test kitchens, along with her dedication for healthy eating and living, Nola enjoys sharing her recipe ideas with others.

Brian Swain:  Financial Controller and Chief of all things Technical

Brian has been a key member of the team since Fresh Finesse commenced in 1993 – taking on almost all roles over that time as the need arose. These days his primary areas of responsibility include keeping the wheels of technology and finance turning.  His foray into events and promotion gets an annual boost with his long standing commitment to the Perth Royal Show and the Yellow Brick Road.

Kate Plaisted and Denise Cork: Payroll and Accounts

Kate and Denise are the golden rulers – tasked with the responsibility of keeping the dollars coming in and going out they are the real lynch pins of the group!