Oatly appoints new General Manager for Latin America and international markets

Sapiña joins Malmo-based Oatly as the company seeks to tackle global supply and production challenges | Photo credit: Oatly

Swedish oatmilk maker Oatly has appointed former Danone executive Juan Carlos Sapiña as General Manager for Latin America and international markets. 
 

Sapiña worked for French dairy and beverage company Danone until September 2022, most recently in the position of Global Vice President of Danone Waters. 

His appointment follows that of fellow Danone alumni Daniel Ordonez, who joined Oatly as Chief Operating Officer in April 2022. 

Sapiña joins Malmo-based Oatly as the company seeks to tackle global supply and production challenges. 

In October 2021, Oatly said demand for its plant-based products was outstripping supply globally, with CEO Toni Petersson stating the company was fulfilling approximately 70% of its orders. 

In November 2022, Oatly again cited production challenges in the Americas as hindering revenue growth, despite group sales increasing 7% to reach $183m. 

In the three months ended 30 September 2022, Oatly's revenues grew 23% in the Americas to reach $60.7m, which Oatly attributed to higher production output compared to the same period in 2021.  

Americas sales comprised 33% of Oatly’s total revenues in the quarter, with approximately 53% of revenues in the region deriving from the retail channel. 

In January 2023 Oatly announced a long-term partnership with Canadian packaging company Ya YA Foods to boost productivity and efficiency at its North American facilities. 

The company said the agreement will better support the company’s ‘growth, capacity needs and product innovation’.