Sun 23rd Apr 2023 - Itsu eyes further retail growth as Justin King named non-executive chairman of grocery arm Itsu eyes further retail growth as Justin King named non-executive chairman of grocery arm: Itsu, the healthy Asian food chain, has appointed Justin King, the former chief executive of Sainsbury’s, as the new non-executive chairman of its grocery arm. The company said the “king of retail” King joins forces with “high street legend” and Itsu founder Julian Metcalfe in a “powerful” new partnership to “turbo charge” the brand’s £60m supermarket business, Itsu [grocery], into a £100m-turnover company within two years. King, who has also had spells at Asda and Marks & Spencer, and Metcalfe’s friendship dates 30 years to when the latter was starting Pret and the former was introducing Häagen-Dazs to the UK. King said: “I’ve always admired Julian’s instinct, intuition and passion for building food companies that change the landscape here in Britain. I’ve watched him champion the humble sandwich, shake up snacking when he sold into the team at Sainsbury’s and now revolutionise the ‘eat-at-home’ dining experience, where I have informally advised the business and mentored their remarkable chief executive, Claudia (Santagada). Together with a world-class team, years of building relationships with expert suppliers in Asia, I’ve decided to step up my commitment to the business to help it scale globally.” Over the past ten years, Itsu [grocery] has grown from 5% of the overall the brand’s group revenue pre covid, to 30% of its revenue today. Its expanding product ranges in 2023 include sweet bao buns, Asian-inspired “pancakes” and handmade veggie “crystal rolls”. The business said there is also a significant pipeline for the chilled and ambient ranges. Metcalfe said: “I am thrilled to have Justin join us as chairman. He is an inspirational leader and an incredible source of knowledge. Justin's extensive experience and strategic vision will be invaluable to our business and will help us achieve our ambitious growth plans across our ambient, chilled, and frozen ranges both in the UK and internationally. With both businessmen sharing an aligned vision towards people, process and product, alongside their mutual respect for one another, Itsu [grocery] is well-positioned to continue its growth and success in the years to come.” Itsu plans to open between 15 to 20 new sites this year, and recently launched its first hot menu site as it looks to “challenge the McDonald’s of this world”. The company launched the new restaurant concept this week after converting its existing site in Regent’s Place, near Warren Street underground station in London. Metcalfe told Propel the new site was operationally “awesome”. He said: “The use of tech and new equipment helped knock down so many ancient barriers to healthy fast food.” On further sites under the new concept, he said: “We are building Wood Green (opening in May) and Kensington High Street (June) already, and about six others, including Exeter, any day now.” A new site in London’s Oxford Street is also planned. He also said further existing sites may be converted to the new format. The decision to launch the first Itsu with an exclusively hot menu has been inspired by “consumer demand for nutritious, affordable fresh food”. Metcalfe said: “Although sushi has been the bedrock on which Itsu was built, in order to provide healthy fast-food that will challenge the McDonald’s of this world, we need to build on our success in hot food innovation.” Itsu features in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book. Its turnover of £86,541,000 for the year ending 31 December 2021 is the 80th highest in the database. The Blue Book ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email jo.charity@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.