Rafa Oliveira brings extensive global FMCG leadership experience to JDE Peet’s. He joins after 10 years at The Kraft Heinz Company, where he successfully drove growth, innovation and sustainability initiatives, and developed business leaders while serving in various executive roles, including EVP and President of International Markets (EMEA, APAC and LATAM).

“I am thrilled to welcome Rafa to JDE Peet’s. His deep understanding of global markets and consumers, strategic acumen, and proven performance in the consumer sector is complemented by a passion for innovation and team development,” said Peter Harf, chairman of the Board of JDE Peet’s. “With Rafa’s appointment, the company is now entering a new and exciting phase. I am confident in Rafa’s ability to deliver against our strategic priorities and drive consistent performance across top-line, profitability, and cash flow whilst creating value for all stakeholders.”

Rafa Oliveira will be based in Amsterdam. His appointment follows a thorough search process initiated by the Board in April. Rafa Oliveira’s appointment as CEO is subject to receipt of his work permit in The Netherlands, and his formal appointment as Executive Director is subject to shareholder approval at the company’s next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 19 June 2025.

“It is truly my honour to take the helm of this storied company,” added Rafa Oliveira. “With more than 270 years of history, JDE Peet’s is an innovative company with an unmatched portfolio of iconic brands and products, allowing us to unleash the possibilities of coffee and tea to drive long-term value for shareholders and other stakeholders. I am excited to collaborate with the talented team and people at JDE Peet’s, who have built a remarkable company poised for profitable growth.”

Peter Harf and the Board also thanked Scott Gray for leading the company with excellence as interim CEO alongside his responsibilities as CFO, pending the appointment of a permanent CEO. Scott Gray will work with Rafa Oliveira to ensure a seamless transition and onboarding.

On the occasion of this announcement, JDE Peet’s reaffirmed that, considering its performance in the first nine months, the company is on track to achieve its 2024 outlook.

The post JDE Peet’s appoints Rafael Oliveira as chief executive officer appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Mark Schneider, CEO, has decided to relinquish his roles as CEO and member of the Board of Directors. Over his eight years with the company, he has actively shaped the company’s portfolio, in line with Nestlé’s strategy and with a focus on high-growth categories like coffee, pet care and nutritional health products.

Laurent Freixe joined Nestlé in France in 1986. Since then, he has continuously progressed within the company, assuming various positions of increasing responsibility across different businesses, markets and Zones. He successfully managed Zone Europe during the financial and economic crisis, from 2008 until 2014. He then took over as CEO of Zone Americas, where he accelerated growth. Following the creation of Nestlé’s new Zone structure in 2022, Laurent Freixe was named CEO Zone Latin America, where he has been successfully leading through challenging conditions.

Laurent Freixe has been a member of the Executive Board for 16 years and, as such, has played an important role in strengthening the strategic direction of the company and its portfolio. With his profound understanding of Nestlé’s culture and values, he has led several global corporate initiatives to improve productivity, increase operational efficiency, simplify processes and drive innovation. Additionally, Laurent Freixe is committed to developing future leaders and talents, as evidenced by his active role in the Nestlé Leadership and Training Programs as well as the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, which promotes youth employment.

“The Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Laurent as the new CEO. I have known Laurent for a long time and highly regard him as a talented leader with strategic acumen, extensive in-market experience and expertise as well as a deep understanding of markets and consumers. He has demonstrated his ability to deliver results in challenging market conditions,” said Paul Bulcke, chairman of the board. “Laurent’s curiosity fuels his passion for innovation and positive change. Laurent is the perfect fit for Nestlé at this time. Under his leadership, Nestlé will further strengthen its position as a dependable, reliable company through consistent and sustainable value creation.”

Bulcke added, “I would also like to express our gratitude to Mark for his significant contributions to Nestlé and for his outstanding, steady leadership in turbulent times. Mark has been instrumental in the great progress we have made on our sustainability agenda. We extend our best wishes to him in all his professional and personal endeavours.”

Commenting on his appointment, Laurent Freixe said, “I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to continue building and strengthening Nestlé, and I am excited to take on this responsibility. There will always be challenges, but we have unparalleled strengths, such as iconic brands and products, an unmatched global presence, leading innovation and execution capabilities, and above all, exceptional people and teams. We can strategically position Nestlé to lead and win everywhere we operate.”

Mark Schneider commented on his tenure, noting, “Leading Nestlé for the past 8 years has been an honour for me. I am grateful for what we have achieved, having transformed Nestlé into a future-proofed, innovative and sustainable business. I would like to thank the entire Nestlé community for what we have accomplished together and wish Laurent all the best in his new role.”

The post Nestlé appoints Laurent Freixe as CEO of Nestlé SA appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Thomas brings decades of fast-casual and coffee experience, including as CEO of McDonald’s Finland and Sweden, global executive director of Costa Coffee, and, most recently, CEO of Honest Burgers.

“The fast-casual food and beverage sector continues to be filled with opportunities for excitement and innovation,” said Thomas Kelly. “The characteristics that have made Espresso House a national champion in Sweden and across the Nordics, present a remarkable platform for further growth. I look forward to bringing consumers in all our markets delicious food and drinks, warm and welcoming environments, all underpinned by our dedication to the fika tradition.”

This appointment is a major milestone for Espresso House, as it concludes the executive leadership changes made over the past year. Additionally, Konrad Meyer has assumed the position of board chairman.

Konrad Meyer added: “We are very happy to welcome Thomas to Espresso House and, coincidentally, are reuniting a proven duo of Thomas and Daniel Sandström, our CFO, who worked together for many years at McDonald’s. Our strengthened executive leadership team brings extensive Nordic and fast-casual experience. I look forward to partnering with Thomas, the board and the entire Espresso House team in pursuing our growth ambitions, while maintaining our commitment to serving the best coffee and food to our customers every day.”

Espresso House has been on a fast growth journey, from a national Swedish champion to a Nordic and Northern European leader operating more than 500 cafes. By innovating the traditional Swedish fika tradition, Espresso House seeks to provide a world-class coffee experience to all its guests. In leaning into Espresso House’s Nordic heritage, the Group has crafted a compelling, differentiated proposition and experience in the public premium coffee shop segment.

The post Thomas Kelly appointed group CEO of Espresso House appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

JAB managing partner and chairman, Peter Harf, who has served as non-executive director of the board since the inception of JDE Peet’s, will assume the role of interim chairman of the board, effective immediately. Scott Gray, who is currently CFO of JDE Peet’s, will assume the additional role of interim chief executive officer, effective immediately.

Upon his departure from JDE Peet’s, Vandevelde will join JAB as a senior advisor focused on the FMCG sector.

In April, JDE Peet’s initiated a search process for a permanent CEO, evaluating both internal and external candidates. This process is nearing completion, and the company intends to provide an update to the market later this year.

“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Luc for his tenure with JDE Peet’s, from lead independent director at the time of our listing to chairman and interim CEO. Although he can no longer dedicate the time necessary for an executive role at JDE Peet’s, we are pleased that Luc will advise JAB on its FMCG investments with the time he does have available,” said Harf. “JAB has strong conviction in the long-term growth prospects of JDE Peet’s, and we are fully committed to our investment in the world’s leading pure-play coffee and tea company.”

The post JDE Peet’s Luc Vandevelde steps down as interim CEO appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

“As we enter our 50th anniversary year, the members of our board of directors are very pleased to welcome Joe Stanziano as the company’s new CEO,” said Drake Sadler, Traditional Medicinals co-founder and chairman. “His spirit of innovation, strategic growth mindset, and dedication to transparency, accessibility, and authenticity in leadership align seamlessly with our purpose focused organisation as we look towards the next 50 years at Traditional Medicinals.”

After 50 years of serving consumers high-quality medicinal teas and lozenges, Traditional Medicinals offers more than 60 unique products, sources from more than 35 countries globally, is a California Benefit Corporation, and holds B Corp certification. As CEO, Stanziano will lead a strategic and intentional growth plan that both advances Traditional Medicinals’ position as the leader in herbal wellness and elevates the company’s purpose-driven mission to create a positive impact and to prioritise people, products, and the planet over profit.

“And as we welcome Joe to the Traditional Medicinals family, we also want to express immense gratitude for the contributions of former CEO, Gary Gatton, who came out of retirement to support our mission and growth for the past few years,” continued Sadler. “His dedication and leadership have been critical to our success, and we wish him all the best as he transitions towards retirement in the months ahead.”

Throughout his tenured career at Smucker’s, Stanziano saw the Fortune 500 company’s revenue grow from $500 million to $10 billion, overseeing the largest business division. Having worked in various sectors including coffee, peanut butter, and consumer foods, Stanziano most recently served as senior vice president & general manager of the coffee division for six years, including well-known brands like Smucker’s, Dunkin’, Jif, Pillsbury, and more. Stanziano led manufacturing, marketing, operations, research & development, and supply chain for several brands. He currently serves on the board of directors at Ocean Mist Farms fresh produce, and previously served on local nonprofit boards supporting his community.

“I’m honored to be joining the incredible team at Traditional Medicinals,” said Stanziano. “I have been inspired by the products, people, and philosophy of this company, and am grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting its impressive legacy. I look forward to maintaining a culture of collaboration, building meaningful, long-term relationships, and leading with an authenticity that mirrors the core pillars of Traditional Medicinals.”

Originally from Ohio, Stanziano and his family look forward to relocating to Northern California, soaking in the temperate weather, enjoying outdoor activities year-round, and serving local nonprofits. To learn more about Traditional Medicinals and the latest brand news, visit traditionalmedicinals.com. 

The post Traditional Medicinals welcomes Joe Stanziano as new CEO appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Ricardo Arias-Nath leads a vibrant region of over 1,600 stores in more than 20 markets. He’s passionate about expanding the Starbucks Experience while honouring the company’s deep-rooted connection to the region, where it has sourced high-quality arabica coffee since opening its first café in Seattle in 1971.

Ricardo Arias. Image: Starbucks

Ricardo joined Starbucks in June 2024 and brings more than 25 years of expertise in general management, strategy, marketing and business transformation, underpinned by a profound knowledge of the fast-moving consumer goods, media, distribution and technology sectors.

Previously at PepsiCo, Ricardo drove the “Farm to Shelf” strategy across Latin America for both food and beverage portfolios. At PepsiCo, he held a variety of roles including being the SVP of strategy and transformation, chief marketing officer for beverages, and franchise general manager, where he contributed to regional growth initiatives.

Ricardo’s career commenced at The Procter & Gamble Company, where he occupied various roles in marketing and finance. In 2000, he ventured into entrepreneurship as co-founder and CEO of Tokenzone, a pioneering entity in the digital asset space (NFTs), collaborating with major global media brands. He is an alumnus of Stanford University, holding a Master of Science in Operations Research and earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Venezuela.

The post Ricardo Arias-Nath steps into SVP and president of LAC Starbucks appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Aldridge brings extensive expertise in the coffee industry focused on the manufacturing sector. She has spent more than twenty-five years at Nestlé where she now leads the in-home coffee business for the UK & Ireland.

Aldridge’s experience in marketing and sales includes notable achievements, such as the launch of Nescafé Azera and the co-development of the Nescafé Plan, which was one of the first initiatives to deliver responsibly sourced coffee. Aldridge’s professional journey has also taken her to the Czech Republic, where she gained valuable international experience.

As BCA’s chair, Aldridge will use her experience to support the UK coffee industry at a critical juncture as the association deals with new regulatory requirements – including on deforestation, packaging and labelling – and work for improvements to the sustainability and environmental footprint of the industry. The UK Government continues to develop its approach to international trade, tariffs, and labour movement post-Brexit, and BCA will represent the sector as these areas evolve.

Research published by the BCA shows that the UK has a flourishing coffee industry – the nation drinks approximately 98 million cups of coffee every day, with the industry creating over 210,000 UK jobs. The BCA is the voice of the UK coffee industry.

Jane Aldridge, chair of the British Coffee Association, said, “I am truly delighted to be elected chair of the British Coffee Association and I’m keen to support the association’s mission – to represent, promote and support all aspects of the UK coffee trade and industry.

“I have had the privilege to work in this industry for over twenty-five years, and so this appointment is a proud moment for me. Directly and indirectly, I have been involved with the BCA since the 1990s, when of course our UK coffee industry looked very different and it is truly satisfying to see us in good shape today.

“We are the key platform through which businesses from every corner of the country can come together to collaborate and tackle those issues which are greater than any individual organisation. Businesses are rightly asking how we can be both commercially successful, as well as sustainable, something which the BCA has been exploring in-depth.

“It is the sense of community I feel that has kept me committed to the coffee industry over the past decade, and I’m passionate about bringing more diverse, independent, and dynamic businesses into the BCA. I’m really looking forward to a busy few years!”

Jane follows Dr Krisztina Szalai as chair, who moved on from the role to become secretary general of the Swiss Coffee Trade Association. Elizabeth Langdon, of Equatorial Traders, has joined the association as vice-chair.

The post The BCA appoints Jane Aldridge as association chair appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

“We are very excited to have Gerra Harrigan join the JNP Coffee family,” said Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian, founder and CEO of JNP Coffee. “She values our mission and brings to us her strategic acumen and depth of knowledge of coffee and its key players. Her contributions will enable our team to boost our growth and do more with the farmers from my home country.”

Harrigan first met Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian in 2012 at a cupping in Providence, where JNP Coffee’s signature Burundi coffees were showcased for roasters seeking new tastes in single-origin coffees from East Africa. She’s followed JNP Coffee’s success ever since.

“Coffee is all about relationships,” Harrigan said, “starting between the farmers and exporters, exporters and importers, and then roasters and customers.” The relationship JNP Coffee has with women farmers in Burundi is one reason she was attracted to the new position. The company’s mission to transform lives and shift social norms, and the outsize impact it continues to have, resonated for her after working with much larger companies.

With operations in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Berlin, Germany, and Bujumbura, Burundi, JNP Coffee sources specialty coffees grown in the mountains of Burundi that are notable for their sweet fruit and floral characteristics. Founded in 2012, the company strives to improve the lives of Burundian coffee farmers with extra payments for their production of high-quality coffee, coupled with career training and financial literacy education. For more information, visit jnpcoffee.com.

The post Gerra Harrigan appointed JNP Coffee director of sales & strategy appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Dean was previously media and communications editor at the SAH, where she worked for more than a decade. Before that, she held the position of communications and marketing assistant at New College of Florida.

In her new senior leadership role at NCA, Dean will be responsible for guiding the organisation’s communications strategy, ensuring alignment with the NCA’s mission and strategic goals. This includes developing and managing comprehensive marketing and communication strategies, ensuring a consistent and credible NCA voice across its platforms.

NCA president and CEO William “Bill” Murray commented, “The NCA team is excited to welcome Helena and add her expertise to the team. With her background in strategic, multi-channel communications and brand strategy, Helena will be instrumental in taking NCA’s communications to the next level for the benefit of our members and the coffee community at large.”

Dean will join the NCA Team at the 2024 NCA Convention in Nashville, 7-9 March 2024.

For further information contact: media@ncausa.org

The post NCA appoints Helena Dean as director of integrated communications appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Roel is an industry leader with extensive experience across both ingredients and sustainability. This includes senior leadership roles at Cargill and Wild Flavors before joining ofi’s parent company Olam Group in 2013 as the global commercial lead for its spices business. He then moved internally to lead the growth of the award-winning sustainability insights management system, AtSource. Most recently, Roel was seconded by Olam Group as a co-founder of the wider industry led sustainability measurement digital platform TRACT.

ofi aims to source, grow, and produce sustainable food ingredients that are good for consumers, farmers and the world around us. Along with his leadership team, Roel will bring further focus to ofi’s experience and expertise in addressing the multiple social and environmental challenges in food supply chains such as farmer poverty, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. His key areas of focus will include:

• Strengthening and embedding the ofi sustainability vision, strategy, and goals to deliver positive outcomes for farmer suppliers, customers and wider eco-system partners.
• Partnering with customers and suppliers to drive change and deliver impact up and down the value chain, particularly through AtSource.
• Anticipating and preparing for regulatory changes to provide customers with compliant and reliable supply.
• Engaging wider stakeholder groups and expanding multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Continuing the development of rigorous tools to address key issues in the food & agri sector.
• Driving robust, transparent, and verifiable reporting.

Commenting on the appointment, ofi CEO, A Shekhar said, “Sustainability sits at the heart of ofi’s business model so that we can partner with customers who want their products to benefit farmers and the planet. Roel brings the perfect mix of strategic vision, business acumen and commercial leadership to inspire the whole of ofi to continually deliver on our purpose to Be the Change for Good Food and a Healthy Future.”

Roel van Poppel added, “It’s a privilege to lead the ofi sustainability team with its depth of expertise and relentless commitment. My mission is to grow the reach of ofi’s programmes even further, collaborating with customers and suppliers on the ground to drive positive impact. Together, we will ignite greater opportunities and game-changing outcomes for ofi and our partners.”

The post Roel van Poppel appointed ofi chief sustainability officer appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Blanca’s history with IWCA began as a dedicated volunteer where she actively supported IWCA Global projects in Central America. In 2016, Blanca took over the role of chapter relations manager where she has successfully facilitated programmes and projects in support of the growth and success of the IWCA Chapter Network, representing 33 countries.

IWCA board president, Sharon Riechers, is excited about this new chapter saying “Blanca’s impressive background, experience, and deep commitment to the mission of the organisation will bring a fresh perspective and energy to programmes, partnerships, and overall impact of IWCA. With her leadership, IWCA is poised to further empower women in the coffee industry and drive positive change on a global scale.”

Blanca’s professional experience and dedication to promoting gender equality within the coffee industry make her an excellent fit for the role of executive director. Fluent in English, French, German, and Spanish, she is connected to a diverse professional network and has extensive experience in public relations, administration, and communications.

In a statement, Blanca expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, saying, “The inspiration I’ve found through groups of women willing to join IWCA got me since day one. It showed a clear need to gather, belong, and support, not only in a particular country or region but globally. IWCA, although seemingly small, has the vision and power to bring them all together and provide the necessary support. Women in the coffee industry deserve the changes that will enable them to achieve recognition and accountability. Building a team has been a nourishing ride for IWCA, and I truly believe that the collaboration of so many volunteers, following the original vision of the five remarkable women in coffee, is the foundation of the shared success of our great working team. I am incredibly excited for what lies ahead and for the continued growth and success of IWCA.”

Blanca Castro’s appointment as the new executive director marks an exciting new chapter for the International Women’s Coffee Alliance. Her multifaceted skills will enable her to identify the needs of various stakeholders in the coffee market and find innovative solutions to industry challenges.

The post Blanca Castro appointed new executive director at IWCA appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Erwin stood out among dozens of candidates and underwent vigorous screenings over a 3-month period. His vast knowledge of the global coffee industry, having been a coffee buyer, roaster, producer and exporter is a perfect match for a leadership position that demands understanding and versatility.

“As a coffee producer I have seen first-hand the benefits that COE and ACE have brought to the countries and to the farmers. My goal is to expand those benefits but also to make certain that companies are successful with their support,” explained Erwin. “I am proud to be the new executive director and will be reaching out to all of our country partners, supporters and members to find new and innovative ways to increase our vast reach, our mission and our valuable partnerships,” he continued. “There is no other programme that does as much as COE for unique coffees.”

Erwin’s rich history with Cup of Excellence began in 2002 with onboarding the first Nicaragua Cup of Excellence. Since then, he has been its operations manager, a skilled head judge, a trainer, and a winning Cup of Excellence farmer. He was also involved and helped coordinate the Los Favoritos Private Collection Auction.

Tim Taylor, chairperson of The Alliance for Coffee Excellence explained that, “Erwin has been a firm believer and staunch supporter since the early days. He wears the passion for its mission on his sleeve and is devoted to its success. I’m eager to see where he leads the two organisations.”

Noelia Villalobos, chairperson of The Cup of Excellence organisation also indicated that, “With first-hand experience and skill in all aspects of Cup of Excellence and with an empathy for coffee producers, the programme will be in good hands. We are grateful that he is willing to invest his long coffee history and expertise in developing an exciting future.”

The Cup of Excellence is a 501c3 non-profit organisation that owns and manages an annual multi-level competition in coffee producing countries. Since 1999 it has discovered remarkable coffees, micro regions no one knew existed and brought international fame to individual farmers. It has single handedly advanced hand-crafted single farm specialty coffees and assured transparency back to the farmers that produce these rare coffees. Its educational programmes, focusing on the sensory aspects of top-quality coffees, have been taught worldwide. Over its 23-year history it has held competitions in 15 coffee producing nations.

The post Erwin Mierisch appointed executive director for COE and ACE appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

In his new role, Cariani will continue to grow NCA’s educational programming and market research, including its webinars programme, convention programming, and National Coffee Data Trends Market Research Series. In addition, Cariani’s unique position as an innovator and problem solver will help guide the NCA into the future using new tools and tactics in alignment with the organisation’s forward-looking Strategic Plan.

“We couldn’t be happier with the work Matt has done to transform our organisation over these past ten years,” said William “Bill” Murray, NCA president and CEO. “His work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and unique professional and educational background have made him an essential asset to the organisation. With this promotion, we aim to recognise his many and unique contributions to our growing association and industry.”

Robert Menos, NCA board of directors chair, also praised the decision, saying, “Having worked with Matt for many years, I know firsthand the critical role he plays in shaping the future of the NCA. I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next with this well-deserved promotion.”

Cariani has been with NCA since May 2013 and is based out of the NCA headquarters in New York City’s Financial District.

For more information, contact media@ncausa.org.

The post NCA promotes Matthew Cariani to director of education, research, and innovation appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Anna Manz, currently chief financial officer and a member of the board for the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), will join Nestlé as CFO as soon as she is released from her present duties. At that time, she will also become a member of the executive board of Nestlé SA as an executive vice president. To ensure a smooth transition, François-Xavier Roger will remain in his role until his successor’s arrival.

Before LSEG, Anna served as CFO and executive director at Johnson Matthey plc, leading the strategy, finance, procurement and IT functions. Prior to that, she spent 17 years at Diageo plc in a number of senior roles, including chief strategy director, CFO of Asia Pacific and Group Treasurer.

Mark Schneider, CEO, Nestlé commented, “On behalf of our board of directors and our executive board, I would like to offer our sincere thanks to François. He has supported us in shaping and implementing our value creation strategy and has helped steer Nestlé through a very turbulent macro-economic environment over the last three years. We wish him all the best for his next endeavors. At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome Anna Manz to Nestlé. Anna has spent her career growing businesses and improving operational efficiencies. Her deep knowledge of the consumer goods industry, combined with her extensive experience across many corporate functions, make her uniquely positioned to help lead Nestlé into its next phase of value creation.”

François-Xavier Roger, CFO, Nestlé, commented, “I am very proud to have been part of Nestlé’s remarkable value creation journey. I have had the pleasure to lead a highly professional finance team, and I feel this is the appropriate time to hand over my responsibilities. I would like to thank Mark, the board of directors, the executive board and my colleagues for their support. I am eager to ensure a smooth handover to Anna.”

The post Anna Manz takes up the mantle as Nestlé CFO from François-Xavier Roger appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Krisztina has extensive experience within the coffee supply chain, ranging from her work in the buying and sustainability teams at Taylors of Harrogate, to her current role as Head of Sales at Caravela Coffee – a specialty green coffee importer / exporter specialising in sourcing high quality lots from smallholder producers in Latin America.

Utilising these experiences will be key during her term as Chair, supporting the UK coffee industry at a critical time as cost-of-living challenges, inflationary pressures, and a changing regulatory environment remain key challenges for many businesses, and as the UK continues to develop its approach to international trade, tariffs, and labour movement post-Brexit.

Research published by the BCA shows that the UK has a flourishing coffee industry – the nation drinks approximately 98 million cups of coffee every day, with the industry creating over 210,000 UK jobs. It is the role of the BCA to represent, promote, and support all aspects of the UK coffee trade.

Dr Krisztina Szalai, Chair of the British Coffee Association, said: “I am truly delighted to have been elected to serve as the BCA’s Chair at such an exciting time for the coffee industry.

“The BCA plays a vital role in supporting and advocating for our Members – which include not only the big-name retailers and high-street chains, but also independent coffee shops, roasters, warehousers, and importers.

“We are the key platform through which businesses from every corner of the country can come together to collaborate and tackle those issues which are greater than any individual organisation. Businesses are rightly asking how we can be both commercially successful, as well as sustainable, something which the BCA has been exploring in-depth.

“It is the sense of community I feel that has kept me committed to the coffee industry over the past decade, and I’m passionate about bringing more diverse, independent, and dynamic businesses into the BCA. I’m really looking forward to a busy few years!”

Krisztina follows Andrew Kerr as Chair. He spent two years in the role, which saw the BCA acting as a conduit to greater engagement with the global coffee sector as part of the move to drive a sustainable circular coffee economy.

The post British Coffee Association appoints new chair appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

This shortlist, made up of Germán Alberto Bahamón Jaramillo, Sandra Morelli Rico, and Santiago Pardo Salguero, will be presented on 27 April to the National (Extraordinary) Congress of Coffee Growers, which as the FNC’s highest authority and instance of deliberation will elect the new CEO, in succession to Roberto Vélez, who leaves important management achievements.

Each of the shortlisted candidates has the professional and personal experience and skills necessary to lead one of the most important agricultural organisations in the country.

From 27 March to 14 April, the candidates will present their proposals and/or programmes to each of the 15 departmental committees of coffee growers, based on a schedule and rules defined and approved today by the National Committee.

To facilitate dialogue and feedback between the shortlisted candidates and Colombian coffee growers, the FNC will make all its national communication outlets available to them under equal conditions.

The post National Coffee Growers Committee shortlists three candidates for FNC CEO appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

“Philippe is an outstanding leader who comes to Costa with a deep background in business and a passion for building great brands,” said Evguenia “Jeny” Stoichkova, president of Global Ventures for The Coca-Cola Company. “We look forward to working with Philippe to expand on the plans we have developed to grow Costa, both in its home country of England and beyond.”

Schaillee began his career with the Sara Lee Group in Belgium in 1994, where he held various marketing roles. In 2000, he moved to the United States, where he was executive vice president of marketing for the coffee and tea businesses. He later became EVP of the beverages division.

In 2006, he was named EVP of the Breakfast, Snacking & Beverages division. In 2008, he was appointed SVP, chief marketing officer and executive committee member for all of the Sara Lee Group’s categories in the United States.

In 2012, Schaillee returned to Europe, where he joined Jacob Douwe Egberts (JDE) Group. He was named president of the Professional Coffee Division and served as a member of their executive committee.

Most recently, he has been a member of the executive committee at France-based Groupe SEB, which is a global market leader in cookware, small domestic appliances and professional coffee equipment, with brands that include WMF, Schaerer, All-Clad, Krups, Tefal and Rowenta.

“I have long admired Costa and appreciate the company’s deep history and heritage,” Schaillee said. “I am excited to join the great team at Costa and look forward to learning and growing the business with them.”

Schaillee is a graduate of Catholic University Leuven and holds an MBA from Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School, both in Belgium.

Schaillee succeeds former Costa CEO Jill McDonald. He will report to Stoichkova and will be based in London.

The post Costa Coffee announces new CEO appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Hugo comes to Grand Havana from industry giant Wendy’s, where he built an impressive career in various leadership positions. In the stem of his career, Mr Gutiérrez led global and regional companies such as Denny’s and Pollo Tropical.

Mr Gutiérrez’s leadership and decisions will be accompanied by fresh energy that will drive excellence in all aspects of the business, according to Grand Havana. He will streamline the cafe operations as the company gears up to expand its casual fast cafe business as well as enhance its customer experience that the company says will increase sales and make its brand more relevant.

“We are excited to welcome Hugo Gutiérrez as our new president, a well-seasoned expert who will make a great leader to our leadership team and for our entire system to benefit from his impressive experience and operational expertise,” said Tanya Bredemeier. “The brand and its identity are deep in his DNA as a Cuban American businessman. Hugo Gutiérrez has the personal know how in creating an authentic experience as we move forward in the opening of our cafe in Miami,” concluded Tanya Bredemeier.

“I am proud to join the Grand Havana brand at a time when leadership is focused on building a national chain,” said Mr Gutiérrez. “I have great respect for the brand and its mission. In the center of Grand Havana is its delicious coffee that I will seek to combine with a memorable customer experience. I will also focus on increasing the cultural relevance of the brand through menu innovation and digital communications. The goal is to deliver a unique, one-of-a-kind experience like never done before when you walk into our cafes. I submit that my goal is to provide shareholder value and create opportunities for our employees.”

The post Grand Havana appoints new president and COO appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

With more than twenty years of professional experience in the coffee sector, Nogueira is the first woman to be elected to the position in ICO’s history, setting a milestone in terms of the long-awaited recognition of the leading role played by women in the entire coffee value chain.

The successor of José Sette hails from a fifth-generation Brazilian coffee family and has worked in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and the United States. In addition to holding the position of executive-director of the Brazil Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA) since 2007, the new ED of the ICO has also been a board member of the National Coffee Council (CNC), the Rainforest Alliance, and the Alliance for Coffee Excellence, as well as an advisory council member of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

During the Special Session of the Council held on 9 and 10 February, members of the Organisation expressed their high appreciation also for the Vietnamese candidate, Tran Kim Long, recognising his solid professional experience in the field of international development and valuing the commitment of the Vietnamese government with the Organisation.

Nogueira’s vision for the future of the ICO will focus on strengthening the sector coordination and partnerships to tackle priority issues such as ensuring a living and prosperous income for all farmers, market transparency, implementing global policies and financing mechanisms, increasing the sustainability of production and supply processes, as well as expanding consumption.

The post Vanúsia Maria Carneiro Nogueira first woman to be appointed as executive director of the ICO appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

Scocchia, a member of illycaffè’s board since 2019, will take the reins from Massimiliano Pogliani, who first joined illy six years ago as the first outside CEO to manage the family-owned business. He ran the global organisation for two consecutive three-year mandates starting in 2016. Pogliani will remain in his role until 31 December 2021.

In announcing the executive change, the company stated that in view of the bullish capital markets and the desire to start a stock listing process, in addition to Pogliani’s interest in pursuing other professional opportunities, the board agreed to bring forward the expiry date of his second term to ensure cohesive management for the entire 2022 financial year.

As illycaffè’s first CEO from outside the illy family, Pogliani contributed to the company’s growth, especially in household consumption within portioned coffee segment and in online sales, as well as realising sustainability achievements and results confirmed by obtaining B-Corp certification.

“With Rhône’s minority stake acquisition in our company this year, Massimiliano Pogliani completed a process of managerial development at illycaffè that he was appointed to accomplish in his role since 2016”, said Andrea Illy, chairman of Trieste, Italy-based illycaffè. “I thank him for his work, and I particularly appreciate his leadership that allowed the company to be resilient during the pandemic including growth in the digital and food channels. For the new expansion cycle that will start in 2022 and in view of a future stock listing, we decided to entrust the leadership to Cristina Scocchia, a talented manager recognised in the development of brands with high aesthetic and experiential content.”

With a degree in business and economics from Bocconi University in Milan and a PhD in Business Administration from the University of Turin, Cristina Scocchia has been CEO of Kiko SpA since July 2017. Previously she worked at Procter & Gamble, holding positions of increasing responsibility, and at L’Oréal Italia, where she held the positions of CEO and chairwoman. She is also a member of the board of directors of Essilor Luxottica.

The announcement of Scocchia as the new CEO follows a series of strategic moves and corporate changes that have taken place within illycaffè over the last year. In November 2020, the company announced it sold a minority stake of illycaffè to affiliates of Rhône Capital, a global private equity firm with a focus on investments in businesses with pan-European, North American or transatlantic presence. In April of this year, illycaffè became the first Italian coffee company to obtain the B Corp certification, awarded to companies that meet the highest standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and responsibility. B-Corp certified companies operate to optimise their positive impact on employees, their communities, and the environment.

Additionally, illycaffè named Jack Edwards president of New York-based illy North America, effective 19 April. He succeeded Barry Shelton, who spent 18 years with the company.

illycaffè also announced that the 6th Annual Ernesto illy International Coffee Awards, which the company bestows upon the best producer of sustainable coffee, will take place 2 December, virtually for the second year in a row.

The post illycaffè appoints Cristina Scocchia as new chief executive officer appeared first on Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.