Fast-food mogul Julian Metcalfe, known for his successful ventures in Itsu and Pret A Manger, is set to join the board of Knoops, a rapidly expanding retailer of chocolate-based drinks. It has been reported that Knoops, currently in the process of raising £5m to support its growth, will officially announce the appointment of Mr. Metcalfe as a non-executive director.
Mr. Metcalfe, a current shareholder in the company, will be joined by former chair and chief executive of Sanctuary Spa Group, Alice Avis. The fundraising efforts are being spearheaded by Andrew Gerrie, co-founder of the popular cosmetics chain, Lush. The additional capital will be utilized to facilitate Knoops’ international expansion plans.
Under the leadership of CEO William Gordon-Harris, Knoops has already established a strong presence in the UK with 20 stores and has further expansions lined up in cities such as Belfast and York.
In light of the news, Mr. Metcalfe commented, “Knoops, much like Itsu, is a pioneering brand that exudes confidence and is driven by a strong sense of purpose and commitment to quality. Opportunities like this are rare and I applaud the company’s leadership and vision.”
Ms. Avis also expressed her enthusiasm for the brand, stating, “I am convinced that Knoops has found the perfect niche in the food and beverage market and is poised for a promising future on an international scale.”
The official announcement of the new appointments is expected to be made on Monday, further solidifying Knoops’ position as a rising star in the food and beverage industry.
