In a significant leadership transition, Quorn Foods is set to undergo a change at the top as Marco Bertacca, the current chief executive, steps down after five years. This move comes in the wake of the company’s parent, Marlow Foods, reporting a significant loss of £63 million and recording its lowest sales figures since 2017 due to dwindling demand for vegan products.
David Flochel, who previously served as the managing director for Heineken UK, is poised to take over the reins at Quorn as early as next month. Flochel transitions from managing a nicotine replacement therapy business to leading the meat alternative brand, bringing a wealth of experience from his roles as CEO of Selecta Group and regional president at Mars Drinks.
The incoming chief executive has expressed his intentions to implement a ‘reset’ for the company in 2025, describing the forthcoming year as a pivotal moment for transformation. “Quorn Foods has a strong history of success, but 2025 will be a reset year for the company. This is a brilliant opportunity to transform the business into the next stage of its journey, and I am delighted to be taking on this new role. I believe that with the right focus and execution, we can turn around the company and current category performance,” Flochel stated.
Under Bertacca’s leadership, Quorn has experienced both achievements and challenges, notably improving its retail market share and achieving annual growth in its foodservice and quick-service restaurant sectors. Moreover, Bertacca spearheaded the launch of the Marlow Ingredients business unit, contributing to the company’s ongoing mission to address climate change through sustainable food options.
While Bertacca acknowledges the setbacks faced in recent years, he regards his tenure as a privilege and honour, highlighting his role in advancing Quorn’s environmental agenda with great-tasting, sustainable food. His departure marks the end of a chapter characterised by both progress and obstacles for the meat alternative brand.
As Quorn Foods prepares for this pivotal transition, the influence of its new leadership will be watched closely in the competitive market of plant-based alternatives.
