Mike joins the island of Ireland operations from Coca-Cola HBC’s Italian business unit where he was Sales Director responsible for strengthening customer relationships in the At Home channels.

He joined Coca-Cola HBC in 2020 as International Key Account Director with responsibility for the Discount channel, having previously held various commercial roles at both Danone and Diageo.

His move to Ireland and Northern Ireland comes at an exciting time for the strategic bottling partner for The Coca-Cola Company as it continues to grow its 24/7 portfolio offer.

Coca-Cola HBC proudly produces and distributes all products within The Coca-Company portfolio, as well as locally owned brands including Deep RiverRock and Fruice.

It also produces and distributes Monster Energy; owns the premium spirits brand Finlandia Vodka; and is distributor for The Campari Group, Edrington, and coffee brand Caffé Vergnano on the island of Ireland.

Simon Fitzpatrick, General Manager Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland said: “Mike comes to the island of Ireland operations with a wealth of experience, both inside and outside of the Coca-Cola system which can only strengthen our vision to be the leading 24/7 portfolio provider for our customers. We look forward to harnessing this experience to create even greater value for our customers and consumers in the months and years ahead.”

Mike Raven added: “The Ireland and Northern Ireland markets are exciting, diverse and full of potential. I look forward to working closely with our varied range of customers across the island of Ireland, and to supporting our first-class sales team as they continue their work to partner with our customers and delight our consumers every day.”

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Founded in Scotland in 1875, AG Barr has grown into a FTSE 250-listed company with a turnover of over £420 million (€500m), operating across 40 global markets and employing nearly 1,000 people at seven UK locations. With a new CEO joining in July 2024 and a new COO in January 2025, the company is well positioned for continued growth.

Despite industry-wide pressures, A.G Barr reported record turnover for the year ending January 2025 – up 5.1% year-on-year – driven by strong brand performance, innovation, and international growth.

A.G. Barr’s International Business Director, Gavan Morris – who also brings years of sales and marketing experience from his time at C&C Group – is focused on driving continued growth for the business.

“We’ve experienced significant international expansion in recent years, but the island of Ireland remains a key strategic priority for us. It’s our largest market outside of Great Britain, and the growth potential across both soft drinks and alcohol has never been greater,” said Gavan.

A.G Barr acquired BOOST in late 2022 and has since doubled down on brand investment across the Irish market. This includes a major focus on the, There’s a BOOST for That campaign and ongoing retail activations.

“The popularity of the brand in Northern Ireland is phenomenal,” said Gavan. “BOOST is number 2 in the energy, sport and Ice Coffee categories^*.

“BOOST is a brand that resonates deeply with consumers here, especially in the value energy segment. We’ve invested significantly post-acquisition, and we’re excited about what’s to come,” he added.

‘REMARKABLE GROWTH’

Sales of IRN-BRU rose 6.4% last year, with double-digit growth in England, and strong resonance across new audiences thanks to limited-edition NPD (Raspberry Ripple and Wild Berry Slush) and a record-breaking TikTok ad campaign – Mannschaft – the most viewed UK soft drinks post in 2024.

“IRN-BRU is a brand with legendary status and now growing rapidly outside of Scotland,” said Gavan. “We’re investing further in brand awareness activity in Ireland this year to build on that momentum.”

Over 1 million samples are planned for distribution in 2025 as part of a major consumer trial initiative.

Rubicon has seen remarkable growth, doubling in size over the past four years to become a £100 million brand. The company is backing the brand with a £6m media spend in 2025, double the previous year.

Rubicon Spring is the No.1 Flavoured Sparkling Water in the UK^**. The brand is the fastest-growing OFC (Other Flavoured Carbonate)^{^} and Energy brand in its category^{^^}. On the back of this success, Rubicon has just unveiled the new Rubicon Spring Vits range of drinks.

“Consumers are increasingly looking for smarter soft drink choices that don’t compromise on taste. By offering a delicious product with added health benefits, we can attract more people to the functional water category,” said Gavan.

“Our new Spring Vits range stands out by delivering 100% of the recommended daily intake of a multivitamin blend—something no other brand offers. Plus, it’s packed with the bold fruit flavours Rubicon is famous for.

GETTING STARTED

“Rubicon is one of the most dynamic brands in the UK market, and we believe that consumers on the island of Ireland are only beginning to see what it can do. We’re backing it with serious investment.”

Funkin is the UK’s No. 1 Cocktail Brand^{^*} and continues to play a strategic role in A.G Barr’s premium alcohol portfolio. While the on-trade sector has faced pressure, Funkin remains well positioned to respond to the growing trend toward at-home mixology and lower-alcohol socialising.

“Funkin isn’t immune to the same pressures affecting the wider hospitality sector, but the brand remains strong, relevant, and well-loved,” said Gavan. “We see opportunity in adapting to the shift in social habits and premium drinking occasions.”

This year’s activity comes as AG Barr marks 150 years in business. The company will launch a limited-edition Birthday Cake flavour from the Barr Family range and run its largest-ever on-pack promotion in partnership with the soon-to-be released Hollywood blockbuster, Jurassic World Rebirth.

“We’ve come a long way, from a small Scottish business to a global drinks group – but we’re only just getting started,” added Gavan.

“This year is about accelerating our ambition, getting closer to our customers and consumers, and unleashing the full potential of our brands in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and beyond.”

^{*Source: Circana Energy Stimulation Convenience Northern Ireland Value and Unit Sales 52 w/e data to 29th March 2025.}

^{**Source: Circana Sparkling Flavoured Water Value Sales 52 w.e 20.04.25.}

^{^Source: Circana | OFC | Value Sales | 26 w/e 20.04.25}

^{^^ Source: Circana Total Market Stimulant Energy Major Brand % Change vs YA 52 w/e 20.04.25.}

^{^*Source: Nielsen UK PRE MIXED ALCOHOLIC DRINKS Total Coverage MAT 22.02.25}

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A not-for-profit organisation, the UK Deposit Management Organisation Ltd (UK DMO) is business-led, created to “deliver one of the most significant environmental infrastructure programmes in a generation”.

A money-back scheme for single-use drinks containers, which will incentivise people to recycle their drinks bottles and cans to redeem their deposits, the DRS will come into effect here in October 2027.

From that date, when people buy drinks containers made from PET plastic, steel and aluminium between 150ml and 3 litres, they will pay a small deposit – which they will get back in full when they return the empty container for recycling.

Legislation for Northern Ireland and England came into force on 27^th January 2025, thus enabling the appointment of the scheme administrator – known as the DMO – in April this year.

The DMO will now begin engaging with partners including the three governments, businesses including drinks producers and retailers, consumer and environmental groups to design and operate a scheme which works for everyone.

It is governed by a Board that brings together voices from across the drinks and retail sector in all three nations, with members having been nominated by trade associations representing both large and small producers, major supermarkets, small convenience stores and wholesalers from across NI, England and Scotland.

The DMO’s responsibilities include designing and operating the systems that make the scheme work – from producer registration to logistics, finance, fraud prevention and public communications.

Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association Executive Director, Michael Bell said food and drink manufacturers want the “smoothest possible operation for consumers, for industry and for delivering for the environment”.

“In Northern Ireland, we have seen how DRS has developed in the Republic of Ireland and we have been working with government and industry colleagues on the development of a similar scheme for the UK,” said Michael Bell.

“We look forward to working with DMO as the delivery of the scheme progresses.”

In a joint statement, the UK DMO Board said: “DRS is an opportunity to deliver a transformational step forward in the circular economy in the UK and the appointment of the DMO is a major milestone in that journey.

“We don’t underestimate the scale of the challenge, but our aim is simple – to build a system that’s fair, efficient and easy to use. Our work is already underway, and we’ll be working closely with governments, businesses of all sizes, environmental groups and consumer bodies to move forward as quickly as possible.”

Producers, retailers and other interested parties are encouraged to visit the UK DMO website and register their interest in getting updates at https://ukdmo.co.uk

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During the Secretary of State’s visit, Simon highlighted Coca-Cola HBC’s commitment to fostering local talent, strengthening the capabilities and skills of its people to drive innovation and growth in the communities it serves.

Mr Fitzpatrick, who is from Waringstown, Co. Down, has worked for Coca-Cola HBC for over 20 years. Beginning his career as a Business Developer, Simon rose through the business until his most recent role as Head of International Key Accounts across all 29 Coca-Cola HBC markets.

Simon will lead the beverage business, which is the strategic bottling partner to The Coca-Cola Company for the island of Ireland. This includes distributing a 24/7 beverage portfolio with locally owned brands including Deep RiverRock and Fruice.

Coca-Cola HBC also produces and distributes Monster Energy; owns the premium spirits brand Finlandia Vodka; and is distributor for The Campari Group, Edrington, and coffee brands Costa and Caffé Vergnano on the island of Ireland.

Simon will also spearhead the beverage business’s sustainability priorities including the transition to NetZero by 2040 and the roll-out of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which goes live in Northern Ireland in 2027.

Speaking as he welcomed the Secretary of State, Simon Fitzpatrick, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland said: “I am incredibly proud and honoured to take up the role of General Manager for Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland. I have spent almost all my career at Coca-Cola HBC and know first-hand what an incredible business it is.

“With over 850 employees across the Island of Ireland, Coca-Cola HBC plays a vital role in energising the local economy, and I was delighted to highlight this to the Secretary of State today. Our commitment to the local Irish and Northern Irish markets is reflected in our sustained investment in our people, the communities we serve, and our strong portfolio of globally known, locally produced beverages.

“We are dedicated to supporting the advancement of local talent, enhancing the skills of our workforce, and supporting local businesses to drive opportunity and growth in the market. Our long-standing business on this island emphasises our commitment to supporting the development of a stronger local economy for our customers, people, and communities.”

Simon’s previous roles include Sales Director for the island of Ireland operations from 2020-2023, and Commercial Director for the Irish Football Association (IFA) from 2018-2019. Simon is currently the Vice President of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association.

The appointment took effect from Monday 3^rd February.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, said: “It was great to visit Coca-Cola HBC’s impressive manufacturing facility in Lisburn and to hear about the company’s plans for the future.

“The company has a long history on the island of Ireland, dating back almost 90 years. Today, the Knockmore Hill site supports more than 450 jobs and is a testament to what a fantastic place Northern Ireland is to invest in and do business.

“This UK Government is committed to working together with businesses and with the Executive to generate investment and economic growth right across Northern Ireland, including through our new modern industrial strategy.”

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The scheme will come into effect here in October 2027, after the Environment Minister previously confirmed his Department’s plans to take it forward were still in place, despite delays to the Welsh scheme.

The DRS is a money-back scheme for single-use drinks containers, which will incentivise people to recycle their drinks bottles and cans to redeem their deposits.

With an estimated 12 billion plastic drinks bottles and 14 billion drinks cans per year being used by consumers, many containers are subsequently littered or disposed of in residual waste, despite being recyclable.

Legislation for Northern Ireland and England came into force on 27^th January, thus enabling the appointment of the scheme administrator – known as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) – in April this year.

The legislation sets out the scope of the DRS; the role of retailers, drinks producers and suppliers; the functions of the DMO; and the monitoring, compliance and enforcement measures that will be in place to support the running of the scheme – including the roles of the DEFRA Secretary of State, DAERA Ministers and regulators.

Minister Andrew Muir MLA said he has “ambitious goals” to protect the climate, drive green growth and reduce unnecessary waste.

“The creation of a DRS plays a key part in delivering those goals,” he said.

“The introduction of the new parliamentary regulations is a significant step in that process and signals our commitment to move forward together to make those ambitions a reality.”

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