Australian beverage company Remedy has announced the appointment of a new Managing Director for the UK and Europe, underscoring what it describes as a “significant milestone” in its expansion plans.
Santino Luciano, who has spent six years with the Melbourne-based company, will take on this role after previously serving as the managing director for the Asia-Pacific region. During his tenure at Remedy, Luciano has occupied several senior leadership positions.
Remedy specializes in kombucha, a fermented drink recognized for its health benefits, and reports that it currently holds a 40% market share of UK kombucha sales—far surpassing its closest competitor.
The UK kombucha market is valued at approximately £44 million and is experiencing an impressive growth rate of nearly 23% annually. Nevertheless, its market penetration is still modest compared to countries like Australia, Canada, and the US.
“The UK business has built an exceptional foundation, but the category remains significantly underdeveloped,” Luciano noted. He added, “If the UK reaches similar penetration levels to markets like Australia, the US, and Canada, we believe this could become a £190 million category. That is a huge prize—not just for Remedy, but for our retail partners too.”
Luciano’s new position coincides with the introduction of Remedy Sodaly in the UK, a healthier soda alternative. The company reports that this product has already achieved remarkable success in its Australian market and is poised to generate AUD $70 million (£37.2 million) in revenue this financial year.
Chris Gillard, the global CEO of Remedy Drinks, remarked, “Santino has played an incredibly important role in Remedy’s growth journey and has consistently demonstrated strong commercial leadership, deep category understanding, and a clear passion for the brand.” He emphasized, “As Remedy continues to expand internationally, the UK and Europe represent a significant opportunity, and Santino is the ideal person to lead this next phase of growth.”
