Ambassador Aparici paid tribute to the Chamber's former president, Eduardo Barrachina, whose spirit instils an award that recognizes the work of Spanish companies in the United Kingdom. The Head of Mission reviewed Damm's history and highlighted its commitment to the British market, demonstrated by the 2022 adquisition of a brewery in Bedford, which "makes a valuable contribution to the local economy, revitalizing the area and creating jobs."
Chamber of Commerce President, Juan Carlos Machuca, presented the award to Demetrio Carceller, who expressed his gratitude for the honour. As the Damm chairman noted, his company's greatest achievement in the UK "is the trust we have earned from consumers, distributors, pub owners, clients, and everyone who has shared this journey with us."
The United Kingdom is Damm's second-largest market after Spain. Last May, the company acquired Old Speckled Hen—one of the country's most established beer brands—which will now be produced at the Bedford brewery. Damm has also acquired a stake in the non-alcoholic beverage company Dalston's Soda.
Additionally, a panel discussion was held—moderated by Gonzalo García de Andrés, Counsellor at the Spanish Economic and Commercial Office—featuring representatives from Damm, Bandlond and Iberia, who shared their companies' strategies for establishing their brands in the United Kingdom.