Beverage Standards Association announces death of co-founder and honorary president Ranald Paterson

The Beverage Standards Association (BSA) has announced its honorary president Ranald Paterson has died at the of 87.

In a statement released today by the BSA, it said Paterson passed away through natural causes, with his family at his side.

It added: "Ranald was a staunch advocate for the hot beverage industry and remained honorary president of the BSA up to the time of his death.

"He will be remembered as a true gentleman with a professionalism which he actively encouraged others to abide by."

Steve Slark, chairman at the BSA, said: "Ranald was one of the founders of the Beverage Standards Association in 1996. His vision and dedication to the Association has allowed it to thrive for 25 years through meeting the needs of its membership and providing the foundation for creating healthy debate and growing the quality of drinks served in the out of home market.

"He will be sadly missed, but also remembered for his humility."

The BSA is the trade association for the UK out-of-home hot beverage sector. It represents manufacturers, distributors, and importers of machines and also champions recruitment and training in the sector, most notably its work in driving the creation of a City & Guilds qualification in barista work.