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8 Off-licences issued up by 1%
7-Day licenses down 1.6%
The number of Seven-Day On-Licenses issued by the Revenue Commissioners last September fell 1.6% to 6,680 from 6,788 in September 2021.
Cork suffered the largest drop in such licences issued, dropping to 856 last September from 873 the previous September.
However Dublin City & County saw an increase in the number of licenses issued, rising seven from 752 to 759. Kildare, too, saw licenses issued rising by four to 169.
Other counties such as Laois, Offaly and Wicklow also saw a slight rise in licenses issued last September.
Over this period the number of offlicences issued rose from 3,453 to 3,497.
The number of Special Restaurant Licences issued also rose from 514 to 526 and the number of wholesalers licenses rose 4% to 591 from 567.
Dublin City & County saw an increase in the number of licenses issued, rising seven from 752 to 759.
8 Revenue extends timeline to the 1st of May 2024
Debt Warehousing Scheme extended to May ‘24
The Revenue Commissioners recently announced an extension to the Debt Warehousing Scheme in light of the current challenging economic situation for businesses.
Under the scheme, businesses with warehoused debt could enter into an arrangement with Revenue to deal with that debt by the end of the year (or by the 1st of May 2023 for those subject to the extended deadline).
But given the current economic uncertainty, Revenue extended the timeline to the 1st of May 2024. This means that businesses will not now have to face the challenge of either clearing the debt in the warehouse or entering into a phased payment arrangement to clear the debt until the 1st of May 2024.
Importantly too businesses will still be able to avail of the reduced 3% interest rate from the 1st of January next year as opposed to the general interest rate of 10% when they come to pay that debt.
“Revenue appreciates the very significant challenges that businesses are currently experiencing in meeting their tax obligations arising from the impacts of the energy costs crisis and the financial pressures these have placed on businesses as they continue their recovery from the pandemic,” said CollectorGeneral Joe Howley in commenting on the extension, “This extended deadline in terms of debt remaining in the warehouse and the ongoing availability of the reduced rate of interest of 3% will provide businesses with greater certainty in the current economic climate and give them additional time before they have to start addressing the warehoused tax debt.”
In early December Revenue will write to all businesses with debt in the warehouse, setting out their statement of debt and advising them of the extension.
The Debt Warehousing Scheme was introduced to provide a vital liquidity support to businesses suffering a downturn due to the
Covid-19 pandemic.
Revenue statistics show that the bulk of the €2.58 billion warehoused debt – €2.2 billion – is warehoused by 7,500 taxpayers and a very large cohort of taxpayers (almost 50,000) have debts of less than €5,000 warehoused.
“The Debt Warehousing Scheme has provided a valuable support for businesses and at its height over €3.1bn in debt was warehoused,” concluded Joe Howley, “We’re now at under €2.6bn. There are currently just over 27,000 taxpayers with warehoused debts in excess of €5,000 and these include more than 19,000 employers who employ over 315,000 employees.”
Updated Debt Warehousing Scheme statistics are available on the Revenue website.
Businesses will still be able to avail of the reduced 3% interest rate from the 1st of January next year as opposed to the general interest rate of 10%, when they come to pay that debt.
n Pre-tax profits at Howth Railway Refreshment Rooms, parent company to The Bloody Stream pub at Howth Railway Station, totalled €353,491 in the year to the 30th of September 2021 following €192,449 losses the previous year. This was despite turnover being down 13% to €4.6 million in the year from €5.3 million in 2020 while Operating Profits were €1 million, up from €98,655 the year before. Bar sales were responsible for €1.4 million of the total turnover figure (down from €2.5 million the previous year) while food sales were responsible for €1.9 million (down from €2.6 million the previous year). The number of staff (including the executive directors) also fell from 87 to 54 during the latest financial year. This total comprises 43 bar staff (down from 75) and 11 admin staff (down from 12). Thus staff costs fell 9% from €1.5 million to €1.3 million at the venue. Howth Railway Refreshment Rooms’ Directors are Michael Wright, Allen Harrington, Ronan Galligan and Michael Gilbert Wright. The company’s ultimate parent undertaking is Treasure Trail Holdings, 100% owned by Michael Wright.
8 Minister receives Cabinet approval for General Scheme of Sale of Alcohol Bill
Justice Minister gets Cabinet approval for licensing reform
The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has received Cabinet approval for her draft Bill to reform Ireland’s antiquated licensing system.
The present system is based on a patchwork of 100 laws - some over 200 years old and two-thirds of which pre-date the foundation of the State 100 years ago.
The Minister believes the laws are in significant need of reform and has published the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill to outline how she intends to implement these reforms.
“This will lead to one modern piece of legislation to regulate the sale of alcohol,” she said, “It will aim to support the development of night-time culture and the nighttime economy.
“It will also aim to support the industry, protect and back our pubs. And it will help people to open a pub where some may have shut, start a venue, a club night or an exhibition space, creating jobs and enriching our culture as they do so.
“It should not be easy to obtain and keep a licence. In comparison to many other countries, we have a restrictive licensing system. Under my proposals, that will remain the case,” she stated.
Among the changes proposed in the new Bill are that pubs will be able to serve alcohol until 12.30am every weeknight and that nightclubs will be able to stay open until 6am with Last Orders at 5am.
Under the new proposals late bars will be able to serve to 2.30am, requiring a new Late Bar Permit in order to do so.
The Licensed Vintners Association stated that the reforms of the licensing laws outlined would make them “fit for the 21st Century” following the announcement.
Under the Sale of Alcohol Bill, opening hours for pubs will be standardised across the week, with pubs being allowed to open from 10.30am to 12.30am seven days a week.
Late bars will be allowed to trade to 2.30am all week too.
Significantly, nightclubs will now be able to remain open until 6am.
The LVA has been pressing for these reforms for years and believes they were essential to bring Irish alcohol licensing in line with European norms.
“These reforms have been badly needed and much anticipated across the industry,” said LVA Chief Executive Donall O’Keeffe, “Once the revised measures come into effect we will finally have licensing laws fit for the 21st Century and for a modern, tourism-focused economy.
“In particular, we welcome the Government’s introduction of standardised trading hours for traditional bars and it has also heeded our call to abolish the Special Exemption Order system and provide for annual late bar and nightclub permits. This is a critical step in improving the vibrancy of the LateNight Economy.
“The LVA has long emphasised to Government and the relevant tourism agencies how out of sync the existing closing times have been with public expectations and behaviours. The simple fact is that there is a demand out there for late night socialising and for nightclubs to operate for longer hours. This is what happens in other cities across Europe and what’s expected from modern nightlife.
“Despite Irish pubs and hospitality being internationally renowned the
relatively early closing times have seemed out-of-step with both foreign and domestic expectations. Thankfully this is now set to change. “It will also be positive for our cities and large towns, especially Dublin, creating an extended period for socialisers to return home instead of the current concentrated going home time where everyone is trying to source transport all at the same time. “We are also glad to see the level playing field for pub licences remains under these reforms and that all venues operating must have the approval of the courts and maintain all the other vital regulatory standards.” The Bill has the potential to radically alter how the pub trade operates in this country and a proper analysis of its content is required before the Vintners Federation of Ireland would comment further. “However, from initial soundings, it’s fair to state there’s huge concern within the trade about elements of Minister Helen McEntee believes the alcohol laws are in the Bill,” the VFI told Drinks significant need of reform and has now published the Industry Ireland, “We’ll engage General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill to outline how with Government at the earliest she intends to implement these reforms. opportunity, once our analysis of the Bill is complete.” It will also consult with its membership about the next steps. Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar backed the reforms. “I believe the reforms that Minister McEntee is proposing will be good for hospitality businesses, boost the wider experience economy and generate employment,” he said, “It will also give people and performers more autonomy about how, when and where they socialise. Ireland’s licensing laws are out-of-date. “Rural pubs are closing, as have many nightclubs in urban areas, while the number of off-licences is increasing. It is not all about alcohol and should not be but is part of the picture. It’s about cutting red tape and streamlining regulation. These reforms should be seen in the wider context of the government’s >>
<< efforts to improve the cultural and entertainment offering in our towns, cities and rural areas.”
To provide a greater opportunity for community voices to be heard, as well as to streamline the current system, responsibility for licensing will move from the Circuit Court to the District Court.
The system will be streamlined by significantly reducing the number of licenses available and online renewal will be possible where there are no objections.
Overall, this will help to reduce the costs involved whilst maintaining an accessible and transparent system in which the HSE, communities, local authorities and Gardaí can raise any necessary concerns around public safety and public health.
Minister Helen McEntee said that the pub has a central role in Irish cultural life.
“The local pub is an institution where we so often come together” she said, “to chat over a drink or food, to host community events, to celebrate and to mourn.
“I believe it is an institution worth protecting and that we should support our publicans – so many of whom have built-up local businesses over decades through generations of the same family.
“In moving the licensing process to the District Court, we’re reducing the cost of making applications and fees for publicans.”
The Minister also announced that she’s making permanent the changes introduced during the pandemic to facilitate outdoor service with the Seven Day On-Licence remaining the foundation of the trade generally.
Nightclubs
“Our late-night venues and nightclubs are at the heart of night-time culture,” continued the Minister, “Nightclubs are an integral part of the life of a city. We do not just experience music on the dancefloor. Clubbing is culture which drives creativity and shapes attitudes.
“Unfortunately, we’ve seen the numbers of nightclubs in Ireland reduce significantly in recent years. Some estimates have suggested that we only have 80 nightclubs, down from over 500 20 years ago to 300 in 2009 and only 80 today.” Off-licence opening hours will be standardised across the week and off-licences will have the option of opening from 10.30am to 10pm seven days a week - a change from the current position where these hours apply six days a week, with Sunday sales only permitted from 12.30pm.
On-Licence extinguishment
After a transition period of three years following the enactment of the Bill, the Justice Minister proposes to remove the extinguishment requirement whereby anyone seeking to open a new premises or an offlicence must first purchase a licence from an existing licence-holder in order to do so.
The General Scheme proposes an amendment to the so-called ‘extinguishment’ provision which sometimes proves an impediment to opening a new pub in towns and villages where some premises have shut, particularly in rural areas.
Often, these licences are sold in closed transactions to a large supermarket chain to be used for the purpose of an in-store off-licence in an urban area. And the cost of a licence can be prohibitive for someone seeking to open a new pub in a rural town which may need it.
The ‘extinguishment’ requirement will remain in place for off-licences however and will only be applicable to licences already in existence on the enactment of this Bill. No new licences granted under this Bill could be sold for extinguishment purposes.
“I do not believe we need a dramatic increase in the number of new pubs,” said the Minister, “But, in circumstances where a town has lost its pub we should acknowledge that the community has lost one of its focal points. The current system makes it difficult for anyone who wants to open a new pub in towns and villages where a pub has closed its doors.
“To help develop a vibrant nighttime economy and culture, support our pub sector and especially help our rural towns and villages, the ‘extinguishment’ requirement for pubs should be wound down.
“However, I believe there is a strong public health rationale for maintaining it for off-licenses.
“Publicans and those who operate venues are required to run an orderly business - and alcohol is served in a controlled environment.
“Alcohol is consumed at home in an uncontrolled environment and removing the extinguishment requirement for off-licenses would not support the development of nighttime culture and the economy.
“But reforms to provisions such as these, over a century old, require a period to allow people readjust.
“That’s why I’m proposing a threeyear transition period following the enactment of this Bill - during this period, the extinguishment provision will still apply.”
To further support night-time culture the Minister proposes to create a new ‘Cultural Amenity Licence’ for galleries, theatres, museums and other cultural venues.
This would apply to small cultural venues in towns and villages and not just larger national venues in our cities. This will be available strictly for venues where the sale of alcohol is not the main activity on the premises and is only for the convenience of people attending the venue for another reason such as an exhibition and it will only be allowed for a set period of time – between one hour before and one hour after a performance takes place.
These licences will also require court approval and will have to meet the same requirements as a fullylicensed premises.
“I want to ensure that smaller cultural institutions and galleries can help breathe life back into our towns and that is why my proposals allow smaller venues apply for what will be called a ‘Cultural Amenity Licence’.”
It is the Minister’s intention to consult further following publication of the General Scheme of the Bill, including pre-legislative scrutiny at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin commented, “The new Bill will allow us to take back our nights and represents a crucial milestone for all those working in the Night-Time Economy and for all those who have long campaigned for a modernisation of our licensing laws”.
Staff & wages - 2 biggest licensed trade challenges after energy
Since the reopening of pubs around the country, the shortage of staff coupled with the steadily rising demand for pay increases for those staff remaining in hospitality have been the two biggest concerns throughout the licensed trade away from soaring energy costs.
“Energy only really came to the attention of the trade in the Summer,” commented the Licensed Vintners Association’s Chief Executive Donall O’Keeffe, “Last January and February energy was not such a concern. But strong wage inflation since reopening has been a growing concern.
“Thankfully the economy is in full employment and wages are reflecting the demand for staff,” he told Drinks Industry Ireland, “The part-time staff situation has improved but managers, chefs and senior bartenders are very difficult to source and very scarce. It’s going to be a problem in the medium term as there are just not enough of them in the country!
“We’re seeing businesses now investing in staff training because we had such a high turnover of staff through Covid.”
Training-up staff is certainly one of the answers, he agreed, stating that, “It’s worth investing in people who have an interest and aptitude for a long-term career in the licensed trade.”
VFI Chief Executive Paul Clancy said that, “Staffing will continue to be a major issue for our members. While energy costs have understandably grabbed all the headlines over the
past months, finding, training and retaining staff will remain a big challenge. “The VFI launched the Bar Manager Degree Apprenticeship with Griffith College in an attempt to create a defined career pathway for young bar staff and thankfully a huge number of people have signed up. “While the course is a positive development it will take a concerted effort from Strong wage inflation since reopening has been a all stakeholders to create a growing concern. perception among job seekers that hospitality is a viable career. This is all against the backdrop of increasing business costs and a changing hospitality landscape. With numerous venues scaling back their operations over the Winter period and an increasing requirement for seasonal and parttime workers the staffing issue won’t get any easier. “I would argue that hospitality is under such pressure that supports for employers similar to what was on offer during Covid must be looked at by Government.”
8 Bulmers volumes up 11%
H1 net revenue up 31% at Bulmers Ireland
Net revenue at Bulmers Ireland was up 30.5% to €150.7 million in the six months to the 31st of August from €115.5m in H1 last year, driven by the re-opening of the on-trade according to Bulmers Ireland’s parent company C&C Group’s unaudited results for the six months ending on the 31st of August.
Operating Profit was up 129% to €19 million compared to €8.3m in the previous H1 while the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing helped in improving margins year-on-year despite the inflationary cost pressures being faced by the business.
C&C is the Number One drinks distributor to the UK and Ireland hospitality sectors, operating through the Matthew Clark, Bibendum, Tennent’s and Bulmers Ireland brands.
Volumes at the Irish subsidiary of the C&C Group were up 8.0%, of which Bulmers volumes showed growth of 10.9%. e-commerce has also seen considerable uptake from customers here.
“We’re pleased to report that the revenue being captured online through our e-commerce platform was 71% of total revenue in August 2022 compared with 66% in February 2022,” states the company, “We continue to see higher order values online compared with traditional contact centre orders, with orders on average 15% higher.
“In the on-trade, the latest Bulmers MAT cider volume share at 63.8% reflects growth in Bulmers’ market share ahead of last year (up 0.9pp), however that also reflects significant growth vs pre Covid-19 levels (up 2.7pp). Bulmers continues to enjoy its position as the largest and most popular cider brand in Ireland.”
The company also pointed out that, “C&C took on the distribution of Budweiser in Summer 2020 and at the time the brand was in MAT lager volume share decline in the off-trade. As of August 2022, we are pleased to report that this has largely stabilised with Budweiser MAT off-trade volume share at 10.1% compared with 9.9% in August 2021.”
Pre-tax profits the C&C Group rose to €47 million, up from €7.1 million in H1 last year.
At €903 million overall revenue was up 37% on the €657m figure for H1 the previous year.
This led to Group Operating Profits of €55 million, up from €19 million.
8 Grants to be provided for sound-proofing venues
Minister Catherine Martin announces support package for NTE
Minister Catherine Martin has announced a support package for the Night-Time economy to include nine new towns and cities in the new Night-Time Advisor Pilot initiative.
A commitment has also been given to progress the provision of soundproofing grants for venues to help prepare for late opening.
Speaking at the announcement of the publication of the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 at the Royal Hibernian Academy the Minister stated, “Modernisation of our outdated licensing laws was one of the key recommendations of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce which I established back in 2020. The publication of the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill agreed by Government today shows this Government’s commitment to supporting a more diverse and vibrant night-time economy.
“Our outdated licensing laws were consistently raised as one of the key obstacles to change, innovation and creativity by those working in the Night-Time Economy.
“I hope that everyone can get behind these changes which will see a more streamlined, efficient and transparent system to licensing, more in step with a modern and diverse society and will hopefully open-up more opportunities in the cultural sector”.
The Minister also took the opportunity to announce an additional package of supports which can help businesses and communities adjust to any potential changes to licensing laws as well as contribute to a more multi-layered NTE.
In this context nine new pilot cities and towns have been selected by an independent review panel, led by the City and County Management Association and supported by her Department.
The selected pilot locations are Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Drogheda, Sligo, Buncrana and Longford Town.
“These new pilot towns and cities will now recruit new Night-Time Economy Advisors who will help drive and support a more sustainable nighttime economy in their specific areas,” said the Minister, “They will work with businesses, communities, venues, residents and artists to create a more vibrant night-life for all and bring vitality back to our city and town centres in a safe and sustainable way.”
CCMA Business, Enterprise, Innovation, Urban/Town Economic Renewal Committee Chair AnnMarie Farrelly, explained that, “The role of the Night-Time Economy Advisors in the nine pilot towns and cities will be central to the establishment of a thriving night-life for our communities. They are key to delivering co-ordination at local level to help support, drive and sustain a more vibrant and diverse night-time economy. The learnings from the nine pilots will then inform the approach to be taken in rolling out plans for the Night-Time Economy across our cities and towns more generally”.
Minister Catherine Martin also committed to working with the sector and other relevant stakeholders to develop a grant process for soundproofing suitable venues. This will help to support the proposed liberalisation of opening hours for nightclubs and other venues operating in the NTE.
“We are currently examining different ways to approach this – the Berlin model being one approach,” she said, “However, we will work closely with the sector and relevant experts to make sure we create a model that maximises the benefits for businesses and for surrounding communities. We’re also engaging with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on additional noise mitigation solutions.”
She added, “€6 million has been allocated by my Department to the Night-Time Economy in this year’s budget”.
Minister Catherine Martin has committed to working with the NTE sector and other relevant stakeholders to develop a grant process for sound-proofing of suitable venues to help to support the proposed liberalisation of opening hours for nightclubs and other venues operating in the NTE.
n Pre-tax profits at Telfer, owner of such hospitality outlets as Hogan’s pub and L’Gueuleton restaurant as well as Kelly’s on South Great George’s Street in Dublin’s city centre, fell in the year to the 31st of May 2020 by 86% to €260,140 from €1.8 million the previous financial year. Total turnover for the year amounted to €7 million, down 23% from the previous year’s €9.1m figure. Operating profits in the year were also down by 78% to €431,712 from nearly €2 million the previous year according to Telford’s Directors Report & Financial Statements for the financial year lodged with the Companies Registration Office. Staff numbers reduced from 111 to 95 (comprising 84 sales & 11 management) which was accompanied by a 10% reduction in staff costs during the year to €2.5 million from €2.8 million. Directors remuneration for the three directors - Declan O’Regan, Maeve O’Meara and Jacob Koshy Kalaparampil - amounted to €315,644, up nearly 4% from the previous year’s €304,100 figure.
Supply chain issues negatively impact production for 90% of Irish Whiskey producers
92% of Irish whiskey producers have said that supply chain delays negatively impacted their recent production output and will likely impact future production output and the launch of new products.
That’s according to a survey of Irish Whiskey Association members published as part of the Association’s Irish Whiskey Global international trade report 2022. While Irish whiskey exports are set to grow again strongly this year, the results of this survey suggest the industry is facing increasing cost pressures, with SMEs facing serious challenges.
The report calls for sustainability and supply chains to be put at the heart of future international trade policy.
The survey, focussing specifically on supply chain issues, found that: • two-thirds of respondents strongly agree that increased delays in the delivery of materials had resulted in delays to the launch of new products • 78% of producers have switched suppliers to secure a more sustainable or resilient supply chain • increases in malt prices, energy and general business costs and delays in international shipping are among the most serious supply chain concerns identified by industry. As well as the survey of the Irish Whiskey Association’s 48 members, other key findings from the International Trade Report include: • a record 14 million cases of Irish whiskey were sold around the world in 2021, 21% up on 2020 • Russia and Ukraine cumulatively accounted for 7% of all Irish whiskey sales in 2021, leaving a likely negative impact on global sales in 2022 • India, Nigeria and China have been identified as emerging markets to watch for future export growth.
“2021 was a year of rebound for Irish whiskey with a record 14 million cases sold around the world and this year looks set to be another outstanding year for export growth,” said IWA Director William Lavelle, “Overall, Irish whiskey exports will grow again strongly in 2022, facilitated by supportive international trade policy.
“However, Irish whiskey is facing many serious international trade and supply chain challenges and the fact is that not all brands will grow this year.
It is notable that the reported supply chain difficulties are being experienced equally by both large and small producers and it’s likely that the serious impacts will be felt hardest by
SME producers.
“International trade and supply chain challenges increasingly have the potential to impact on trade, both at industry and individual business level. It’s vital that international trade policy keeps-up, not just in reacting to threats but also proactively assessing and planning for the future.”
The Irish Whiskey International Trade report was launched via two events: in the European Parliament in Brussels and the House of Commons in London.
Officially launching the report in Brussels, MEP Colm Markey said, “Overall, our export sector is performing strongly despite ongoing global challenges. In 2021, we recorded our best-ever trade performance, while figures for this year are very encouraging. Recent CSO stats show overall exports of goods from Ireland rose to almost €20 billion in August, an increase of over €4bn on July 2021.
The report calls for sustainability and supply chains to be put at the heart of future international trade policy.
n The holding company for Charlie Chawke’s Dropping Well pub in Milltown, County Dublin, Milltown Inns, saw turnover decrease again in the year to the 30th of October 2021 to €5.52 million (down 4%) according to its Consolidated Financial Statement. The previous year had seen a turnover of €5.75m. But despite the lower turnover figure, Milltown Inns recorded a pre-tax profit of €1.37 million compared to a pre-tax loss of nearly €280,000 the year before. Operating Profit at €1.71 million was considerably up on the previous year’s €124,190 figure. Staff numbers were further reduced by 10 to 94 in the year comprising 88 bar and restaurant staff (down 10), two management staff and four admin staff. This helped reduce the staffing bill by 18% from €2.59 million down to €2.13m. The company’s two directors - Charlie & Bernice Chawke - took €41,340 in remuneration, down 6% from the 2020 figure of €43,798. n
DRINKS INDUSTRY PEOPLE
n Irishman John Murphy is to become the Coca-Cola Company’s President as well as its Chief Financial Officer, effective October the 1st. John, who currently serves as its Executive Vice President and CFO, will add the President’s role to his cap following the retirement of current President Brian Smith (66) who’s served as President and Chief Operating Officer since 2019. He’ll remain with the company as a senior executive through to February 2023. John, 60, has overseen Mergers & Acquisitions, Investor Relations, Global Strategy, Tax, Treasury, Audit, Accounting and Controls, Reporting and Analysis, Real Estate and Risk Management. As President and CFO, he’ll take on expanded duties including oversight of Global Ventures, Platform Services and Onlineto-Offline digital transformation as well as customer and commercial leadership. He began his career at Coca-Cola 34 years ago in 1988 as an International Internal Auditor and moved to Coca-Cola Japan as Executive Assistant to the CFO in 1991. He went on to serve with expanded responsibilities in various finance, planning and operational roles at Coca-Cola Japan and subsequently worked for F&N Coca-Cola Ltd, the Coca-Cola bottling partner in Singapore. In 1996 he returned to Coca-Cola as Regional Manager in Indonesia. In 2000 he served as Vice President of Business Systems in CocaCola North America before returning to Coca-Cola Japan as Executive Vice President and CFO. In 2004 he was promoted to Deputy President of Coca-Cola Japan before returning to Atlanta in 2005 as Vice President of Strategic Planning for Coca-Cola, a position he held until he became President of the Latin Center business unit in 2008. The Latin Center business unit is responsible for operations in 31 countries in Central America, the Caribbean and the Andean Region. From 2013 to 2016 he served as President of the South Latin business unit, where he was responsible for operations in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. From 2016 to 2018 he served as President of the company’s former Asia Pacific group and was also responsible for the company’s bottling Investments Group, primarily focused on key markets in Southeast and Southwest Asia. Before joining Coca-Cola, John worked for four years as an auditor for Price Waterhouse in Dublin.... Irish Distillers’ Communications and Corporate Affairs Director Kathryn D’Arcy has become the new Head of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland, the representative group for Ireland’s drinks and hospitality industry, succeeding outgoing Chair Liam Reid of Diageo following his two-year term. In her new role, Kathryn will prioritise the cost of doing business and the sustainability of the industry... Bord Bia, the semi-state agency responsible for the promotion, trade development and marketing of Irish food, drink and horticulture both in Ireland and globally, has appointed Jim O’Toole as its new Chief Executive. He’s scheduled to take up the position on November 1st. Currently Chief Executive of Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, where he leads a team of some 140 people throughout Ireland, Jim’s highly experienced in global food marketing, sustainability development and change leadership. He replaces Michael Murphy who’ll continue to lead Bord Bia as Interim Chief Executive until November before returning to his position as Director of Organisation and Industry Talent at Bord Bia. Jim previously held senior positions in Bord Bia and gained extensive marketplace experience working in London, Milan and Paris. He holds a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin and has completed programmes at Harvard Business School, Ashridge Business School, Cranfield University and UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. He’s also a Board Member of the Irish National Accreditation Board... n
John Murphy is to become President and Chief Financial Officer of the Coca-Cola Company.
As the new DIGI Chair Kathryn D’Arcy will prioritise the cost of doing business and the sustainability of the industry.
