Quorn Foods, a prominent player in the meat-free sector based in the UK, has appointed David Flochel, a former executive from Heineken, to take the reins as its new CEO next month.
Flochel brings extensive experience to Quorn, having previously held significant roles at Mars and Unilever. He succeeds Marco Bertacca, who has led Quorn for the past five years.
In light of recent pressures, particularly in the UK retail market, Quorn has experienced declining sales as consumer interest in meat-free products wanes. This shift comes amidst broader challenges faced by the food and beverage industry, especially within the food and drink business.
During 2022 and 2023, Monde Nissin, which owns Quorn, recorded significant impairments in its meat-alternatives sector, highlighting the need for strategic adjustments within the organization. Bertacca commented on the company’s trajectory, stating, “Despite the challenges with overall growth in the last few years, we have improved Quorn retail market share.” He emphasized that ongoing partnerships and new initiatives, like the Marlow Ingredients business unit, reflect Quorn’s resilience and potential for future growth.
In August, Monde Nissin disclosed a notable dip in revenue from its Meat Alternative division, where Quorn Foods operates. Net sales fell 4.2% to 6.8 billion Philippine pesos (approximately $117.7 million) in the first half of the fiscal year. Furthermore, the division’s core gross profit also declined significantly, although a glimpse of hope appeared in the second quarter with a comparable benefit from reduced input costs.
Looking forward, Flochel expressed optimism about Quorn’s capabilities. He stated, “Quorn Foods has a strong history of success but 2025 will be a reset year for the company. This is a brilliant opportunity to transform the business into the next stage of its journey.”
Monde Nissin’s CEO, Henry Soesanto, underscored Bertacca’s contributions: “Marco has been instrumental in leading Quorn through many pivotal moments in its history. His passion for the company, our mission, and values has been unparalleled.” The transition in leadership comes at an essential moment as the food and drink consumer trends evolve, necessitating adaptive strategies to revitalize growth.
As the food and beverage landscape continues to shift, industry leaders are keenly observing Quorn’s next steps under Flochel’s guidance, hoping he can navigate these turbulent times effectively. In his most recent role with consumer-health company Haleon, Flochel demonstrated a commitment to innovation and performance, critical elements for steering the organization toward renewed success in the competitive meat-alternatives market.
