Commercial

Experienced FMCG and fine food specialist with over 20 years in global import, export, and distribution across diverse markets.

James Edward Mckeown

GB 🌐 EUROPE 🌐 MIDEAST

Bio

James Edward McKeown is a highly experienced FMCG and fine food & drink specialist with over 20 years of expertise in import, export, and distribution across EMEA, North America, and LATAM markets. He has a strong track record of working with major supermarket chains, HoReCa wholesalers, boutique retailers, and travel retail operators worldwide. James has played a pivotal role in developing private label and co-branding solutions for European manufacturers entering the UK and North American markets. His deep knowledge of FDA compliance, FSVP requirements, and Brexit strategies has allowed him to successfully guide UK food and beverage companies through complex regulatory landscapes and international expansion. James has held leadership positions across multiple renowned organizations. As CEO of Urbani Tartufi UK, he rebuilt the UK branch post-COVID, restructuring logistics, introducing e-commerce, and leading a comprehensive marketing strategy. He also served as Export & New Business Development Manager at Cotswold Fayre Ltd, spearheading international expansion in the MENA region, the EU, and CIS countries. His consultancy work through ESP London Ltd and AJA Portfolio Brands has helped numerous UK and European food brands establish market presence in North America and the Middle East, working with global retailers such as Kroger, Costco, Whole Foods Market, and Dubai Duty Free. James is a strategic leader with expertise in sales pipeline management, product sourcing, and international logistics, making him a valuable asset in global trade and market expansion.

Experience

The British Hamper Company

A premium hamper company specializing in fine food and gift solutions.

Strategic Consultant · UK 2023–Present

Head and Project Manage the creation of The British Hamper Company brand
Coordinated a team of 8 to create the new brand image, negotiate contracts, and secure new supply partners for the business
Oversaw a full due diligence programme for new suppliers and brought the new brand to both e-commerce and bricks & mortar retail from zero to listed in 18 months
Provided full and wide-ranging consultancy to assist BHC manage challenges created by BREXIT, particularly in their EU e-commerce business
Helped set up a warehouse and company entity solution in NL
Developed internal processes to facilitate internationalisation and engagement with overseas retailers, importers, distributors, and consumers directly
Implemented effective systems to guarantee ROI when using external providers and DBT to assist in market entry strategies and local market support when building an international network

Terramezzo Ltd

A fine food, grocery, and corporate gifting e-commerce platform.

CEO & Founder · UK 2024–Present

Development of a new e-commerce solution for Fine Ingredients, Fine Grocery, and Corporate Gifting under the brand www.terramezzomercato.com
Project management, branding, brand image & photography, supplier identification, and logistics strategy for the business
Negotiation and partnership agreements with 8 well-established online platforms to include Terramezzo Mercato in their assortment and/or integrate the Terramezzo Mercato Shopify solution with their platform management systems
Coordination of developers, contractors, and external consultants to manage the website build, brand image, activation, and SEO
Management of the initial PR launch and roadmap of ongoing marketing and promotional strategy for the business

Urbani Tartufi UK

A global leader in truffle products and gourmet ingredients.

CEO · UK 2022–2024

Rebuilding the UK branch of Urbani Tartufi following the challenges faced by COVID
Crisis management review of remaining customers and contracts in the UK market and building a recovery strategy for the relaunch of the business in the UK
Restructuring of the staff, logistics, and warehousing solutions and introducing e-commerce and wholesale providers
Enacting a wide-reaching marketing and promotional strategy to differentiate the business from more established competitors and therefore effectively grow market share

ESP Partners - Strategic Consultancy for F&B, London

A consultancy firm specializing in international trade for specialty food and beverage brands.

CEO & Founder · UK 2021–Present

Working with UK and European-based Speciality Food & Beverage challenger brands to help them enter new international markets, specifically focused on the UK, EU, MENA region, and North America
On-site and remote consultancy to face the challenges created by BREXIT and new trading regimes with and within the EU
Assisting companies to establish operational bases in the EU and the USA
Support and help brands find suitable partners to help them maintain and build their e-commerce footprint outside the UK market
Assisting overseas clients who would like to establish a presence and/or find a suitable importer/distribution partner in the UK

Cotswold Fayre Ltd

A leading fine food wholesaler and distributor in the UK.

Export & New Business Development Manager · UK 2019–2021

Creating and implementing new strategies and building relationships to enhance Cotswold Fayre's Export markets worldwide
Managing direct-to-retail, importer, distributor, and consolidator relationships worldwide through structured meetings, marketing initiatives, and pre-established sales targets for growth
Special focus given to developing new markets in the MENA region, the EU, and CIS countries
Developing brand launch strategies for target areas
Analyzing market performance country by country and giving recommendations to the CEO and board regarding existing client relationships and potential alternatives in areas signaled for growth
Working to deadlines in a sales-focused manner following pre-established sales targets and surpassing these wherever new opportunities present themselves
Working closely with retail clients, distributors, and logistics partners to ensure Cotswold Fayre's goals of purpose in business and environmentally sound practices are followed throughout the supply chain wherever possible
Maintaining close contact between Cotswold Fayre and the local Chamber of Commerce, DIT, and external Export consultancies to ensure we are maximizing the opportunities available to the business through support, training, and awareness of new legislation and lead generation opportunities for International markets
Managing the day-to-day contact with current and future clients in a timely and professional manner via email, phone, Zoom, or other appropriate instruments

AJA Portfolio Brands

A consultancy firm specializing in FMCG exports and brand development.

Export Consultant & Brand Owner (Terramezzo) · UK 2014–2019

Assisting UK & EU clients to export their FMCG brands primarily into North America, EMEA & LATAM markets
Direct working relationships with many national importers, distributors, and North American retailers such as Kroger, TJX USA/Canada, Costco USA/Canada, HEB/Central Markets in USA, Whole Foods Market USA, Cost Plus World Market USA, Sam's Club USA, and BJ's Wholesale Club
In the Middle East, working with Dean & Deluca, Jones The Grocer, Spinneys, LuLu International, Danube/Bindawood, Carrefour & numerous importers, distributors, and HORECA clients
Direct working relationships with principal travel retail operators such as Dufry, Lagardere TR, Duty Free Americas, Aer Rianta International, Dubai Duty Free, and Gebr Heinemann
Consultant to the fine food trade, travel retail operators & premium department stores for assortment selection, merchandising, and sell-through strategies
Brand ambassador for Terramezzo & The Ministers of Taste brands for export markets, particularly focused on travel retail and domestic distribution in the EU & North America