Unesda Soft Drinks Europe announces new President

Peter Harding, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Europe, has been elected as the new President of Unesda Soft Drinks Europe, representing the non-alcoholic drinks industry in Europe. He takes up his two-year mandate from 1 July 2023, taking over the presidency from Ian Ellington of PepsiCo Europe.

Unesda’s membership comprises 10 companies and 25 national associations from across Europe, with members involved in the production and distribution of a wide variety of drinks. Its  policy priorities are related to the sector’s sustainability (e.g. circularity of beverage packaging), responsibility (e.g. sugar reduction, marketing and advertising, and labelling) and competitiveness (e.g. taxation, market access).

Harding earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economic History from Durham University in the UK where he developed a keen interest in business and economics. He began his career in the consumer healthcare industry, joining GlaxoSmithKline in 1991. Over the course of his career, Harding has held various leadership roles including General Manager VP Consumer Healthcare Ireland, VP Global Marketing, and General Manager SVP Consumer Healthcare GB & Ireland.

In 2014, Harding joined Lucozade Ribena Suntory, a subsidiary of Suntory Beverage & Food Europe, as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).

In 2018, he was appointed CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Europe, where he is responsible for leading Suntory's strategic direction and growth across 60 countries across Europe, Africa and overseas territories.