Register to get 3 free articles
Register to unlock the article and receive our free newsletter. Join 26,000 other hotel leaders and stay in the know.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Dutch brewer Bavaria has named Rob Page as its new UK managing director.
Rob Page joins from Kingsland Wines and Spirits, where, as sales and marketing director, he helped transform their business model and grow the customer base. Page had also previously held senior roles at Treasury Wine Estates, Carlsberg-Tetley and Kettle Foods.
Page said: “I am extremely pleased to be joining such an ambitious business at a time when the company is looking to drive growth and develop further in the UK. Bavaria already has a 40% share of the alcohol-free market in the off trade and with the help of the experienced, committed team here, I’m confident we can build on this by delivering exciting new products and refreshing ideas to the trade.
“The sector is undergoing a period of significant change and I believe innovation is the key to future growth in the alcohol-free beer category, which is growing at about 9% each year.”
Frank Swinkels, executive director of Bavaria, said: “The UK remains a very important market for us and finding just the right person to deliver growth was essential. Throughout the selection process, Rob impressed with his history of business development and relationship building, both of which will be pivotal to our future growth and increased distribution in the UK.”
Bavaria has extended its range of alcohol-free beers to four varieties: 0.0% Original, 0.0% Wit, 0.0% Lemonade Radler and 0.0% Fruity Rosѐ.
Swinkels added: “The alcohol-free beer category remains our focus in the UK, where our brand is continuing to grow; currently around 21% year on year.
“Figures like this are truly satisfying, but despite this success, we have brought in Rob because we’re confident even greater growth opportunities exist and he is the man to deliver.”
