Keith Nelson appointed chair of Irish Beverage Council

Agnese Filippi and Keith Nelson

Nelson aims to drive growth, sustainability, and engagement with key stakeholders in the non-alcohol beverage industry

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23 January 2025

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The Irish Beverage Council (IBC), the Ibec group that represents the non-alcohol beverage industry, has recently announced the appointment of Keith Nelson, country manager, Innocent Ireland, as chair of the IBC. 

In his new role, Nelson succeeds Agnese Filippi, country manager of Coca Cola Ireland, who has served as IBC chair since January 2023.

Key influence

As IBC chair, Nelson will be a key influence in the strategic direction of the IBC, representing an industry at the heart of Ireland’s economy. 

The non-alcohol beverage industry in Ireland employs more than 3,500 people directly and supports an additional 3,000 jobs indirectly.

Nelson has been the country manager of innocent Ireland since 2020. 

“The next two years promises to be an exciting period as the beverage sector continues to play an important role in the Irish economy and lead in sustainability,” said Nelson.

Nelson noted he is looking forward to working with the Council to help deliver a stable platform for the industry’s future growth, as well as engaging with IBC’s key stakeholders, including the new Government, on its behalf. 

Outgoing chair

“Stepping down, I am immensely proud of the sector’s achievements over the past two years,” highlighted Agnese Filippi, outgoing chair, IBC.

These include the successful rollout of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, and the launch of many innovative products that meet the Irish consumer’s need for a wider and balanced choice of drinks. 

According to Agnese, the beverage sector will continue to be a sustainability leader and vital to Ireland’s economy and society, employing thousands, contributing to community initiatives, and providing significant economic output. 

Important initiatives 

“The IBC has been a leader in several important initiatives for our sector, including Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), tethered caps, the evaluation of the Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax, and maximising relationships with our national and international partners and stakeholders,” said Robert Kiernan, director, IBC.

“I thank Agnese for her leadership, expertise, and energy as IBC Chair, and welcome Keith to the role. Keith brings a detailed understanding of the Irish beverage sector to this position, and I look forward to working closely with Keith in delivering for our members, our customers, and the environment,” concluded Kiernan. 

IBC members are part of the fabric of Ireland’s economy, proudly making a significant contribution throughout the supply chain – from agriculture to manufacturing, to packing, through to transport and logistics, retail, hospitality, and tourism. 

The soft drinks industry in Ireland is worth over €780 million a year, and generates an annual export value of over €290 million.

Read more: DRS launch welcomed by Irish Beverage Council and Drinks Ireland

 

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