Jane Aldridge, Managing Director of Nestlé UK & Ireland, has been named the new Chair of the British Coffee Association (BCA), succeeding Dr. Krisztina Szalai, who has transitioned to the role of Secretary General of the Swiss Coffee Trade Association. Additionally, Elizabeth Langdon of Equatorial Traders has been appointed Vice-Chair of the BCA.
“I am truly delighted to be elected Chair of the British Coffee Association and I’m keen to support the Association’s mission – to represent, promote and support all aspects of the UK coffee trade and industry,” Aldridge said. “I have had the privilege to work in this industry for over 25 years, and so this appointment is a proud moment for me. Directly and indirectly, I have been involved with the BCA since the 1990s, when of course our UK coffee industry looked very different, and it is truly satisfying to see us in good shape today.
Aldridge’s career at Nestlé spans over 25 years, during which she has led the in-home coffee business for the United Kingdom and Ireland. Her notable achievements include launching Nescafé Azera and co-developing the Nescafé Plan, one of the pioneering initiatives to deliver responsibly sourced coffee.
In her new role as BCA Chair, Aldridge aims to leverage her extensive experience to support the UK coffee industry as it navigates new regulatory challenges, including deforestation, packaging, and labeling requirements. She will also focus on enhancing the sustainability and environmental impact of the industry. The BCA will play a crucial role in representing the sector as the UK Government continues to refine its policies on international trade, tariffs, and labor movement in the post-Brexit landscape.
“We are the key platform through which businesses from every corner of the country can come together to collaborate and tackle those issues which are greater than any individual organization,” Aldridge stated. “Businesses are rightly asking how we can be both commercially successful, as well as sustainable, something which the BCA has been exploring in-depth.”
Aldridge emphasized the importance of community in the coffee industry, saying, “It is the sense of community I feel that has kept me committed to the coffee industry over the past decade, and I’m passionate about bringing more diverse, independent, and dynamic businesses into the BCA.”