NEWS | Industry Updates
Nestlé UK and Ireland announces new leadership appointments for 2026 Nestlé UK & Ireland has announced several appointments to its senior leadership team, Katya Simmons, Martin Krohn and Lorenzo Vigano.
• Lorenzo Vigano has been appointed managing director for Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland. Lorenzo brings with him a wealth of experience in the Out of Home world, having joined Nestlé Italy in 2012 to lead the Nestlé Professional Super Premium Beverage division. In 2013,
he was appointed BEO Nestlé Professional Italy and managed the successful turn-around of the business, reshaping the portfolio of the organisation. In 2015, Lorenzo was appointed head of beverages Nestlé
Professional Europe. In this role he transformed the beverage business across Europe, actively working to build the Coffee Global Business Strategy. In 2023, Lorenzo became managing director Nestlé Professional
Turkey, rapidly growing the business to become the 10th largest Nestlé Professional market. Speaking on his role, Lorenzo said: “It’s a pleasure and honour to
lead Nestlé Professional at such an exciting time. As we enter the new year, I’m energised by the opportunities ahead and committed to supporting our customers across hospitality and foodservice. Together, we’ll continue delivering exceptional products and services, driven by our focus on excellence, sustainability, and innovation.”
• Katya Simmons has been appointed managing director for Coffee at Nestlé UK & Ireland. Katya’s career began in Nestlé Russia in 2002, where she held several sales and CDT
confectionery assignments, before moving to marketing in 2010. In 2017, Katya moved to the UK, becoming business effectiveness manager at Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland. In 2018 she became managing director Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland, a position she held for more than seven years. Speaking on her new role, Katya said: “I am thrilled to be leading
the coffee sector in the UK and Ireland. Coffee has an exciting future ahead of it and I am privileged and proud to be part of the team taking it forward. I can’t wait to see what we will achieve and how we’ll drive growth across our incredible brands”
• Martin Krohn has been appointed as head of technical & production Nestlé UK & Ireland. Martin will have direct responsibility for coffee, confectionery and food factories, including Mindful Chef and Simply Cook Operations. Martin joined Nestlé in 2005 and has held
several positions in Industrial Performance and Manufacturing across Germany, including both Hamburg and Schwerin factories. Since April 2021, Martin has led the European Zone’s confectionery manufacturing for the KitKat & Wafer Cluster, delivering strong results. Speaking on his role, Martin said: “It’s a pleasure to move into the
role of Head of Technical and Production for Nestlé in the UK and Ireland. Safety and quality are paramount to all that we do at Nestlé, and I will continue to put this at the heart of the market.”
Once centred primarily on shelf life and affordability, the
packaged food market is now increasingly defined by nutritional density, ingredient transparency, and environmental responsibility, prompting manufacturers to reassess formulations, packaging systems, and portfolio positioning.
Packaged food market to exceed $8 trillion by 2031
According to Mordor Intelligence, the global packaged food market size was valued at $6.34 trillion in 2025 and is estimated to grow from $6.61 trillion in 2026 to $ 8.15 trillion by 2031. Market expansion is being driven by urbanisation, rising disposable incomes in emerging economies, and structural shifts in dietary behaviour.
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Key trend shifts in the packaged food market Mainstreaming wellness and clean labels: The packaged food market is undergoing a fundamental shift as health-focused features move from niche categories to baseline consumer expectations. Manufacturers are now embedding functional benefits, such as immunity support and protein enrichment, directly into mass- market products while prioritising “clean-label” transparency. By simplifying ingredient lists and reducing synthetic additives, brands are securing long-term packaged food market share through a dual focus on nutritional integrity and sensory appeal. Value creation through flavour and sustainability: Innovation
in global flavour profiles and eco-friendly packaging has become a primary driver of packaged food market trends. By integrating authentic ethnic seasonings and limited-edition regional flavours, companies can command premium pricing and expand margins without significant cost inflation. Simultaneously, the industry is pivoting toward sustainable, fibre-based, and recyclable materials to meet regulatory demands and consumer ethics, ensuring the packaged food market size continues to grow through both experiential value and environmental responsibility
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