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Codorniu reaffirms commitment to UK market as search for new chief continues

Published:  15 May, 2014

Cava firm Codorníu Raventós says it is "100% committed" to the UK market in the wake of the departure of its managing director of 12 years, Nick Mantella.

Cava firm Codorníu Raventós says it is "100% committed" to the UK market in the wake of the departure of its managing director of 12 years, Nick Mantella.

David Losantos, European commercial director, who is managing the UK market until a new UK director is appointed, told harpers.co.uk that it is "absolutely not" changing focus away from the UK.

Codorníu is in the process of recruiting a new managing director, saying Mantella's departure came about as both parties "decided it was time to explore new opportunities".

Losantos said it is "absolutely not" considering closing its UK office, adding that it is "100% committed to our UK office and will continue to invest in this market".

Losantos said: "Nick was with us for 12 years and did a great job for us."

But Losantos admitted "there are many new challenges in the UK market right now and we need our strategy to reflect these".

He added: "Codorníu Raventós is the number one company in Spain for Cava and DO quality wine production so we believe there is definitely more potential for us in the UK market."

The UK is its top European market, and as such is "very important to us", Losantos said.

He added that the "the biggest opportunity for Cava" is to "capitalise on its status as the UK's longstanding favourite sparkling wine and to communicate its quality and value to the UK consumer".

The group is currently running the Codorníu Cava Revolution campaign, which is aimed at encouraging consumers to take a fresh look at Cava. The campaign is being led by two brand ambassadors, acclaimed Spanish chef José Pizarro and wine educator, Ashika Mathews. 

The campaign has seen experiential sampling activity in London and the South East of England, with a presence at some of the country's most popular food and drink markets - including Portobello and Greenwich Markets. The company predicts its will reach more than 150,000 people.

The group was recently shortlisted for the Harpers Best Supplier to the Independents Award.

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