Switching jobs during a global pandemic might not be for everyone, but when the opportunity to head up Australian coffee brand Merlo Coffee came up, it was one the David Holt jumped at.
David took on the General Manager role in October 2020. He says the attraction of working for a “household name” like Merlo Coffee was a real drawcard.
“Merlo Coffee has a strong brand and a solid customer base,” David says.
“Combined with a high-quality product offering and world-class customer service, the opportunities for growth are huge.”
With more than decade of experience in the FMCG industry, Holt said he was excited to be joining an agile and entrepreneurial business.
“My previous roles gave me a firm foundation in the business fundamentals and corporate training,” he said.
“At Merlo, I have the opportunity to draw on all my experience to influence the direction of the business, working with a team that thrives on innovation and ingenuity.”
Founder of Merlo Coffee, Dean Merlo, says Holt brought fresh perspective and ideas to the business.
“For 27 years, we have been passionate about our staff, our customers, and our product, and David support supports that wholeheartedly. I am looking forward to working with him as we look to grow and diversify into new channels and new markets.”
David says while there were challenges on the horizon, Merlo was well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities in every growing Australian coffee market.
“Just like the craft beer market, boutique roasters are starting up all the time, but we know we have a great product, and the competition keeps us sharp and driven to achieve our goals,” he says.
“One of the biggest changes in the industry this year, as a direct result of COVID-19, has been a definite re-balancing of coffee consumed out of home versus more and more premium coffee being consumed in the home.
“Australian coffee consumers are among the most advanced in the world, so it is vital that we consistently improve and innovate so that we continue to provide them with the best coffee at home and at cafes across the country.”