Swift will take responsibility for UCC’s Northern European territories including Benelux and the Nordics, alongside Smit & Dorlas and UK & Ireland businesses from 1 May 2019
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A view of UCC's exhibitor stand at the London Coffee Festival 2019 | Photo: Kay Lockett
Swift’s appointment to Regional Director (North) for UCC Europe comes as UCC Europe restructures into three distinct regions. In a press statement, the roaster and coffee solutions provider said the move would generate efficiency, better utilise skills and create a consistent brand experience across the firm’s major European markets.
“This is an important step for the future of our business and reflects our ambition in the European market… Our market insight and industry-leading initiatives means our organisation is aligned with consumer expectations for consistency, quality and convenience. This will enable us to remain competitive and position us for future growth,” said Swift.
Joining UCC Coffee UK & Ireland (formerly First Choice Coffee and United Coffee) in 1996, Swift is credited as key to the success of UCC’s signature Total Coffee Solution as well as helping the firm exceed £100m sales turnover.
Formed in 2012 following UCC’s acquisition of United Coffee, UCC Europe currently employs 1,400 people across eight companies. It also operates 10 manufacturing sites, including its roastery in Dartford, Kent, and Centre of Excellence in Valence, France, which is Europe’s largest producer of Nespresso-compatible capsules.
Ueshima Coffee Company (UCC) was founded in Kobe, Japan, in 1933 and introduced the world’s first canned coffee in 1969. The company is currently the seventh largest coffee roaster in the world, generating over £2bn annual sales.