Ritter Sport UK has appointed Natalie Marshall as the new brand manager for trade & shopper impact to strengthen its leadership team as the business continues its UK growth strategy.

Marshall brings over 10 years of FMCG experience to the role, having previously worked at Aston Manor Cider across convenience, wholesale and modern trade channels.

As part of her new role, Marshall will support Ritter Sport’s business strategy by helping to drive trade and shopper marketing initiatives to grow penetration, physical availability and consumer trial.

Benedict Daniels, MD at Ritter Sport UK & Ireland, said: “Natalie joins us at a hugely exciting moment for the business as we continue our mission to inspire millions more consumers to discover Ritter Sport quality and never compromise again.

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“Today shoppers are increasingly frustrated with the shrinkflation and cheapening that has become commonplace across the category. We know once people try Ritter Sport, they understand the difference immediately.

“Natalie brings exactly the right combination of commercial understanding, shopper insight and activation expertise to help us bring quality chocolate to consumers across the UK.”

This appointment follows successful results for the business, currently the fastest-growing brand in the UK block chocolate category, with 46.7 per cent value growth and 19.3 per cent unit growth during the last 52 weeks, according to Circana research.