The British Coffee Association (BCA) has appointed Caravela Coffee head of sales, Dr Krisztina Szalai as its new chair.
With extensive experience within the coffee supply chain, Szalai previously worked in the buying and sustainability teams at Taylors of Harrogate, before taking on her current role at speciality green coffee importer and exporter, Caravela Coffee.
She will be taking over the position from Andrew Kerr, who was chair at the BCA for the past two years.
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In her new role, Szalai will be supporting the UK coffee industry amid the current cost-of-living crisis and inflationary pressures.
However despite these difficulties, according to research from the BCA, the UK coffee industry is booming with 98 million cups of coffee consumed every day and over 210,000 jobs created.
“I am truly delighted to have been elected to serve as the BCA’s Chair at such an exciting time for the coffee industry,” Szalai said.
“The BCA plays a vital role in supporting and advocating for our Members – which include not only the big-name retailers and high-street chains, but also independent coffee shops, roasters, warehousers, and importers.”
She added: “I’m passionate about bringing more diverse, independent, and dynamic businesses into the BCA. I’m really looking forward to a busy few years.”
