SPAR UK has announced the appointment of Michael Fletcher as its new managing director.
Fletcher spent 22 years at Tesco plc, where he held numerous senior commercial roles in the UK, Ireland and Asia. He joined Co-op Retail in 2013 where he held the position of chief commercial officer before moving on to become CEO of Nisa Wholesale, a role he held until 2022.
Since leaving Nisa, Fletcher has taken on several non-executive director and board advisory roles. He is also the founder and chief executive of Sleet Brush Limited, where he focuses on designing and implementing innovative solutions to complex retail and wholesale challenges.
“Michael has outstanding credentials in commercial, retail and FMCG sectors, with experience across various trading environments,” Nick Bunker, non-executive chair, SPAR Food Distributors Ltd, said.
“His professional capabilities and high standards consistently drive excellent business performance and operational resilience. We are delighted with his appointment and look forward his lasting and positive contribution to the SPAR business.”
Fletcher added: “SPAR is a globally recognised and respected brand, and I am thrilled to join the team. I look forward to supporting the ongoing strengthening and development of the SPAR proposition in the UK.”
Fletcher will take up the role on 22 November.
Looming Extended Producer Responsibility packaging levy threatens to introduce even more significant price hikes, particularly for glass-packaged products
Challenger brands have added a huge £15.8m to the beer category, creating opportunities for premium and heritage brands like Wrexham Lager
Birra Moretti grew in value by 2.1 per cent last year
There's considerable current interest in Japanese beers like Sapporo
Cruzcampo has enjoyed a highly successful launch, generating £88m in retail sales
BrewDog continues to evolve and improve its AF range
Cold Beer, ABV 3.4 per cent, has delivered over £1.4m sales since launch after its nationwide rollout in September.
BrewDog's top two products are Punk IPA and Hazy Jane New England IPA four-can multipacks
The cider market is showing remarkable resilience and growth, particularly within the convenience channel
Inch's Cider is the apple cider brand that grew the most share in the off trade in 2023
Knights Cider drives growth into the convenience channel
Henry Westons Vintage sells more than one bottle every 0.75 seconds across the UK
Frosty Jack's sold 1.1 million single 500ml cans last year
Old Mout Fruit Cider's 330ml can format requires less fridge and shelf space
Gander app
Rise of delivery lockers is revolutionising the way we send and receive parcels
Retailer Girish Jeeva is set to launch a 24-hour delivery service in partnership with Snappy Shopper. 
Volumatic’s CountEasy
By 31 March 2025, businesses and relevant non-domestic premises in England will need to arrange for the collection of the core recyclable waste streams
QR Squared helps brands move beyond stripy barcodes
