Press Release: Twin and Twin Trading announce new Managing Director at AGM

Twin and Twin Trading announce new Managing Director at AGM

Twin is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicolas Mounard effective from 11 March as Managing Director of Twin, the UK’s leading ethical trade organisation working with smallholders in Africa and Latin America in coffee, cocoa and nuts. Nicolas joins Twin from food and drink company Alter Eco (CEO, 2008-2012), where he is credited with significantly scaling up the business into France’s leading Fairtrade company; restructuring and focusing on product quality, switching to 100% organic, and boosting profitability and growth.

TWIN, perhaps best known for setting up the highly successful farmer-owned Fair Trade brands Cafédirect, Liberation and Divine Chocolate, continues to pioneer innovative approaches to ethical trade, working with smallholders in areas of conflict such as the DRC and championing food safety as a vital missing link in the food security debate. Nicolas will also head up Twin Trading, the trading arm solely owned by Twin.

Nicolas Mounard said “I was attracted to join Twin because of its reputation for trailblazing new ways to improve farmer livelihoods through trade, using tools such as Fairtrade certification to access value-added markets and ensuring gender and sustainability cut across all areas of work. I’m excited by the challenge of growing this pure player further, combining my passion for ethical trade with my second love – great quality food!”

The new appointment is to be announced at the organisation’s AGM, which will be attended by several producer Board members from Africa and Latin America. Twin will also launch its new environmental initiative ADAPT NOW today at its roundtable conference Make climate change your business in the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. ADAPT NOW works with businesses and smallholders to design climate-smart solutions for smallholder supply chains.

Michael Ward, chair of Twin’s Board said “Nicolas’ appointment comes at the start of an exciting phase for Twin, as ethical consumerism faces a crucial turning point, Twin must continue to be a driving force in the fair trade movement and help businesses satisfy the growing consumer demand for traceable, ethical sourcing. Nicolas’ proven commercial know-how coupled with years working with smallholders in developing countries makes him the ideal match for Twin.”

Nicolas replaces Andy Good, who was Twin’s Interim Managing Director for nine months. Andy, a long-standing leader in the fair trade movement, took up the temporary post to guide Twin through a transition phase and plans to relocate to Australia with his wife.