SIMON Manchett has been appointed commercial business development manager at food and retail packaging specialist Rocaba Packaging.
He was previously business development manager at Fleet Retail Packaging, having started his packaging career with luxury manufacturer Thomas Norman. Following the acquisition of Thomas Norman by Fleet Retail Packaging, Simon had responsibility for key accounts including Pernod Ricard (Chivas Brothers), Mothercare and Hilton Hotels.
Rocaba revealed that the pandemic has promoted ‘huge shifts’ in paper and packaging needs of many businesses. The company’s research shows at least 25% have seen an increase in online sales, with 40% reporting heightened interest from consumers in the environmental impact of their purchases and packaging. As part of his new role, Rocaba explained that Simon will be working with customers to ensure all new and existing requirements are met.
Sujan Shah, Rocaba CEO, said, “Demand for packaging has shifted dramatically over the last 18-months as a result of the pandemic, supply chain issues and many brands trading exclusively online. I’m delighted to welcome Simon to the team. We have seen a growth in demand for high-end, luxury packaging solutions, particularly in the food & drink sector, and Simon will play an important role in building out our offering as we onboard new accounts.”
Rocaba added that a previous role Simon had within an advertising agency at the start of his career gives him a ‘unique perspective’ on the opportunities afforded by e-commerce packaging as part of a digital customer experience.
Simon Manchett said, “Although the need for unique, high-end packaging has always been a priority in the luxury goods market, it was previously less important to other FMCG and high-street brands, until Covid forced consumers to shop almost exclusively online.
“I am looking forward to working with Rocaba’s customers as they look for solutions which are sustainable, maximise their brand exposure but remain cost effective. Although the in-store shopping experience has continued to open up across the globe, the shift in how consumers shop has fundamentally shifted so that there is now a huge opportunity to use packaging as part of the marketing mix.”
