Page 16 - SBrewing(May_June2022)

Page 16
Meet The Boss!
Damon Wilson, 50, lives in
Shropshire. Commercial Manager of
Kimbo with 20 years of experience in
the hot beverage category.
How long have you been in this role?
I have been the Commerical Manager of Kimbo
for 5 ½ years now.
As a Business Manager can you tell us
how you or your business has been
affected by recent world events either
negative or positive.
As we supply solely into the HORECA channel our
business suffered greatly, however, we have come
through this leaner and stronger.
How do you feel about the medium to
longer-term outlook for your business?
The outlook for Kimbo UK is very positive, we
have entered the retail sector via Amazon vendor
and RTM with a number of wholesalers, and our
brand continues to grow in the HORECA sector.
www.beveragestandardsassociation.co.uk
MAY / JUNE . 2022 | VOL.25
What have been the main challenges and
what have you done to overcome them?
Have there been any positive outcomes
for them?
The main issues have been around costs and
price inflation. Unfortunately like most suppliers,
price increases have had to be passed on, but we
have kept these to a minimum and will continue
to do so. Coffee prices and raw materials for
packaging are at an all-time high, but the factory
continues to be innovative in order to keep
quality and supply continuous. Our customers
are very supportive and fully understand the
global situation.
Have you any advice or real lessons that
you could pass on?
Be honest with your customers, and rely on world
news and economic factors when talking about
costs. Do not try and force high prices than
needed.
Have your working practices changed at
all?
Yes, we are much more adapted to remote
working. We have recently moved offices to a site
half the size but has more than enough space for
us to grow, smarter working from home with the
right tech frees up people’s routine and gives a
better work/life balance.