Woodrow says sustainability ‘has never been more important’ for the UK-based coffee and tea supplier as he pledges to increase stakeholder value throughout the supply chain
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Finlays' new Group Managing Director, James Woodlow | Photo credit: Finlays
Finlays has appointed James Woodrow as its new Group Managing Director.
Woodrow has worked with the global coffee and tea business’ parent company Swire Group since 1990, holding executive roles across the conglomerate’s portfolio of businesses, including Cargo Director at airline Cathay Pacific.
He joins Finlays from Swire Shipping where he was Managing Director for the last seven years.
Commenting on his new role, Woodrow said sustainability would remain at the heart of Finlays’ operations as consumers around the world seek to make more informed purchases.
“Sustainability – whether environmental, social, or economic – is a defining characteristic of our era. Global consumers have never been more switched on to the provenance of their food and drink and this represents a big opportunity for the beverage industry, even in markets where this trend is just emerging,” he said.
“The scope and scale of Finlays means it can offer true traceability and assurance that its products have been ethically sourced. But most importantly, it gives us the precious ability to have a positive, long-term impact on the communities we serve around the world, and the environments in which we operate,” he added.
Originally founded in 1750, UK-headquartered Finlays is major supplier of tea, coffee and other beverages to hospitality operators, foodservice clients and retailers around the world.
The company has operations in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, where it supplies coffee and tea products through its direct trade sourcing network.
In November 2021 Finlay’s announced plans for
a major new cold brew production facility in the UK. The new plant, which is due to open soon, aims boost cold brew consumption in Europe, where Finalys hopes it can emulate the success of the category in the US.