09 May 2011

Frucor Beverages today announced the appointment of Carl Bergstrom as Group Managing Director. Carl replaces Mark Cowsill who retires at the end of this month after 18 years in the role. Frucor's Australian business continues to be led by Sydney-based CEO Jonathan Moss.

Carl has been CEO for Frucor's New Zealand business since he joined the company in 2000. Under Carl's leadership the New Zealand business has changed significantly, approximately doubling in size. Frucor is a significant player in the New Zealand beverage market, having evolved from a small local juice business, to an approximately $400 million international total-beverage business.

Under Carl's leadership Frucor has consistently grown its New Zealand market share through product innovation, and as a result has achieved leadership positions in key market segments and channels. The business has innovated in order to diversify into new categories, demonstrated by the development and launch of V energy drink, the market leader in both Australia and New Zealand.

Frucor Australia has recently celebrated 10 years in the Australian market, employing 225 people and contributing around fifty percent of Frucor's group revenue. CEO of Frucor Australia, Jonathan Moss, said he was looking forward to continuing to work with Carl in his new role.

"I have worked alongside Carl for five years, and during this time he has achieved great results for the New Zealand business. We have enjoyed fantastic success with V both here and in New Zealand, and I am looking forward to working with him as we enter our next phase of growth in the Australian market," he said.

Prior to joining Frucor, Carl was General Manager for Carter Holt Harvey Distribution Group and Carters Building Supplies, and held senior executive roles in Carter Holt Harvey's consumer products division. During this time he was responsible for establishing FMCG brands in Australia, some of which are market leaders on both sides of the Tasman today.

Nobuhiro Torii, Frucor Chairman and President of Suntory Beverage & Food Limited welcomed Carl's appointment. "After an extensive process it is very pleasing to appoint Frucor's new Managing Director from within the business. Carl brings strong commercial acumen and a passion for innovation and for our customers. I am confident his skills and experience are well matched for taking the business forward in its next chapter of growth," he said.