Cider producer Aspall expands senior management team

Paul Simpson has been appointed as sales director and Damian Mills as head of operations. Simpson, newly appointed sales director, joined Aspall in 2010 as national account controller for take-home following over 20 years in sales roles in the drinks industry. Prior to Aspall, Simpson founded the Saltaire Brewery in West Yorkshire and was previously on-trade controller for Gonzalez Byass UK. He also spent several years at Holsten UK, managing the multiple grocers' sector before becoming wholesale controller. Meanwhile Mills, head of operations, will be responsible for operations, including production, packaging and liquids for both the cyder and vinegar ranges. Barry Chevallier Guild, Aspall chairman, said: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Paul and Damian to these two new positions. Paul's 20 years' drinks industry sales experience and Damian's proven track record of driving efficiencies and growth at Aspall will further support our growth ambitions and drive the category forward. "Premium ciders continue to see impressive growth, now accounting for 20% of the total cider market – double their share a decade ago. Aspall is at the forefront of this growth with Aspall cyder sales up 57% in the last quarter of 2011 and Aspall's export business up 55% in the year to March 2012. These appointments are central to supporting our growth strategy within key accounts both domestically and abroad."