Andrew Wilbey - popular ice cream and wine expert remembered

We regret to share the news that Andrew Wilbey, a former Food and Nutritional Sciences lecturer at the University of Reading and active member of the Staff Common Room, passed away shortly before Christmas.

Andrew joined the University in 1983, having first worked in the food industry for 14 years.

He lectured in food processing, economic manufacturing, and winemaking at Reading, and enjoyed a career in dairy technology spanning 55 years.

He retired from lecturing in 2011, but retained heavily involved in the University’s activities.

Wine and dairy expertise

Andrew was a well-published researcher on the production of dairy and similar products, with his specialist subjects being ice cream and low-fat spreads.

He also researched the heat treatment of these products, including how they affect the consistency of ice cream.

Wine was a particular passion for Andrew, and he was well known on campus for his time as Wine Steward in the Senior Common Room, now called the Staff Common Room.

There, he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with colleagues and held popular wine tasting events at Park House and at Acacias on London Road. Much of the University’s stock of cellared wine were procured by Andrew over many years.

He contributed to Staff Common Room wine activities during his Reading career and long after his retirement. He was Senior Steward from 1996-97 and again in 2000-01, and served as its wine consultant right up until he passed away.

He also ran a popular module on wine and winemaking, which featured a practical course on tutored tastings.

After his retirement, Andrew acted as a consultant to the food industry. He worked extensively with companies in new product and process development and knowledge transfer.

This included an annual three-day course on ice cream manufacturing, which taught theory and practical techniques using our on-campus pilot plant facilities. Andrew presented dozens of these courses over more than four decades.

Andrew was a longstanding editor for the International Journal of Dairy Technology. He was awarded a Gold Medal by the Society of Dairy Technology in February 2025, in recognition of his service to the dairy industry and the Society itself.

Loved and respected

Andrew was well loved and respected as a colleague and by his students. He was kind, humble and hugely knowledgeable, and always had time for people.

He was very involved in the Reading Amateur Regatta and was a frequent donor of funds to the Reading University Boat Club – of which he was an active member for more than 40 years.

Dr Mike Lewis, a former Food and Nutritional Sciences lecturer who worked closely with Andrew at Reading for more than two decades, said: “Andrew was one of the most attentive tutors to his undergraduate tutees, dairy science Master’s students and his PhD students. His door was always open and his kettle was ready to go.

“He loved teaching and sharing both his theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students loved his practicals on cheese production and ice cream.

“He will be much missed for his experience and wisdom.”

Andrew battled illnesses in his later years, and died peacefully in hospital surrounded by family.

Due to Andrew’s fondness of water sports, his family have set up an RNLI fundraising page for donations in his memory.

Photo of Andrew courtesy of the Society of Dairy Technology.