Ben Pearce Promoted to Commercial Director
12 February 2026

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Ben Pearce to Commercial Director at Lupa Foods, effective immediately.

Ben joined Lupa Foods in January 2020 as Purchasing Director and has been a central figure in shaping the commercial direction of the business over the past five years. His promotion reflects both his contribution to the company’s growth and the strategic role he continues to play as Lupa enters its next phase of development.

Driving Growth and Stability Through Change

Since joining the business, Ben has supported the successful merger of the Donatantonio and Compleat Food Group businesses into Lupa Foods, helped steer the company through the unprecedented disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, and contributed to turnover growth of more than 60% delivering the strongest financial performance in the company’s history in the last financial year.

His leadership across procurement and supply chain has strengthened global sourcing capability, enhanced supplier partnerships and ensured operational resilience in an increasingly complex market.

Supporting Alignment with the Geia Group

Following Lupa Foods’ acquisition by the Nordic Geia Group in early 2025, Ben has played an instrumental role in aligning the UK business with wider Group structures and strategy.

This has included the integration of systems, governance frameworks and ways of working designed to enhance collaboration across territories, improve efficiency and create long-term value for both customers and suppliers. Further initiatives will continue to roll out throughout 2026 as part of the wider Group alignment programme.

Expanded Responsibility: Leading the Sales Function

In his new role as Commercial Director, Ben takes on additional responsibility for leading Lupa’s sales team alongside oversight of the company’s end-to-end commercial strategy. This strengthened alignment between sales, procurement and supply chain will ensure customers benefit from a more integrated commercial approach, combining sourcing expertise, market insight and strategic partnership.

Commenting on his promotion, Ben said:

“I’m incredibly proud to be stepping into the Commercial Director role at such an important stage in Lupa Foods’ journey. Taking on the additional responsibility for leading the sales team, alongside our broader commercial strategy, allows us to strengthen alignment across the Group and work even more closely with our customers and suppliers. I’m fortunate to be supported by a strong and experienced team across the business, and together I’m confident we can continue to deliver sustainable growth and long-term value.”

Manish Mandavia, CEO of Lupa Foods, added:

“Ben’s promotion is thoroughly deserved and a natural progression. As an existing member of our senior leadership team, he already works closely with many of our key customers, enabling a seamless transition as he takes on responsibility for leading the sales function. Ben has also been instrumental in aligning Lupa Foods with the Geia Group following the acquisition in 2025, and his deep understanding of our business and markets makes him ideally placed to lead our commercial strategy.”

Looking Ahead

Ben’s appointment reinforces Lupa Foods’ commitment to strategic growth, strong partnerships and continued investment in systems and people. As part of the wider Geia Group, the business is well positioned to deliver enhanced value, scale and long-term stability for UK food manufacturers and international supply partners alike.

We look forward to the next chapter and wish Ben well with his new role!

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