ESMA International Network is a selective, invitation-based network for professional agents,
distributors and manufacturers, and for sales & marketing organisations that specialise in
the manufacturing or handling of packaged consumer goods.
The applicant company should have been established for at least one year and be able to
demonstrate top-quality service to the FMCG industry. Applications are reviewed by our CEO
and, if approved, put to the Board for a final decision — you will be told at each stage.
Europe's only non-profit network dedicated exclusively to manufacturers and distributors of consumer goods — founded in 1976, operating across 62 countries.
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Our History
From 1976
ESMA International Network was formed in 1976. Over the past 50 years, we have become Europe’s and the rest of the world’s only distributor and manufacturer organisation for consumer goods.
As a non-profit organisation, run by members on behalf of members, we stimulate the exchange of ideas, build connections, and leverage our contacts to drive local and export sales. A large part of our success has been through the collaboration of our international network.
Today, we aim to increase the scope of our enterprise, and continually work towards the improvement of resources and knowledge available to members.
Meet Our Members
Today, the ESMA International Network boasts more than 200 members across 62 countries in Europe and Internationally. Taken together, these members are responsible for manufacturing or distributing some of the largest global brands, strong local brands and many specialist products.
We maintain strict standards to ensure our member directory is made up of only the most experienced and trustworthy businesses operating in the European and International value chain.
As such, we can promise that any manufacturer or distributor associated with the ESMA International Network is one that you can trust.
We boast more than 200 experienced and trustworthy members.
62
We are across 62 countries in Europe and internationally.
ESMA International Network Benefits
Endorsement That Matters
ESMA International Network’s strength is the quality of its members. As a rule, companies will have been in business for at least 1 year, they should represent or manufacture brands that form part of the value chain and come recommended by another ESMA International Network member before being approved by our CEO and the ESMA International Network Board.
By adhering to these strict criteria, we are able to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of businesses in which we can facilitate the exchange of knowledge and maintain a reputation for endorsement that truly matters.
The ESMA International Network membership directory is made up of distributors, manufacturers, associates and corporates that attract attention from around the world. By virtue, our website has proven to be the most effective tool for the search of companies with an interest in Europe and Internationally.
On top of this, the ESMA International Network is in constant contact with major trade magazines. We are committed to promoting the idea of outsourcing and the use of third-party sales and marketing associations to all members of the value chain.
ESMA International Network Benefits
Insights For Tomorrow
ESMA International Network members benefit from unlimited access to a library of news, global trade show events, business opportunities, seminars and market information.
What’s more, because we are committed to maintaining a strong network for the exchange of knowledge, we regularly organise seminars, host social events at international trade shows, and host our annual convention where member companies can learn from one another.
To build your business on an international level you need to know what trends are on the horizon – the ESMA International Network is what helps you stay ahead.
Vision
A world leading distributor manufacturer organisation, ensuring our members gain a global understanding of the value chain.
Mission
Stimulate the exchange of ideas, offer superior information and knowledge transfer. To represent the interests of our members.
Our Board
Christos Dedoussis
President | Greece
Shella Blancaflor
Vice President | The Netherlands
Michael Robinson
Past President | United Kingdom
Anna Margaritelli
Past President | Italy
William Rochford
Board Member | Ireland
Sabine Schwaiger
Board Member | Austria
David O'Neill
CEO | Ireland
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Christos Dedoussis
President |
Greece
Christos is the CEO, President, and co-owner of Flavour Factory S.A. He holds a Bachelor's in Food Technology with a Masters and Doctorate in Molecular Biology.
Christos is the CEO, President and co-owner of Flavour Factory S.A. He holds a Bachelor’s in Food Technology, with a Master’s and a Doctorate in Molecular Biology.
His passion for entrepreneurship led him to leave his career in the UK and return to Greece to build his dream. Flavour Factory is focused on innovative products and new ideas, and over the years established an "Ethnic" food category in Greece.
The product portfolio evolved and expanded to other categories including snacking, protein, breakfast, tea, confectionery and organic. With accumulated experience, next steps involved the launch of his own brands and the establishment of the first production unit for Rice Cakes in Greece. Exports now form an important chapter in the next phase of Flavour Factory's development.
Shella Blancaflor
Vice President |
The Netherlands
Shella holds degrees from several universities including St. Paul University (Philippines), Inholland University (Netherlands), IPAG École de Commerce (Paris), EAE Business School (Madrid), INSEAD (Paris), Harvard University (Boston), and Nyenrode Business University (Netherlands).
Shella is a globally minded, dynamic leader with a sharp strategic vision and a proven record of driving business growth and transformation. With extensive experience in FMCG at Bickery, she has led high-impact initiatives, streamlined operations, and pioneered innovative solutions.
Renowned for building strong teams and fostering deep collaborations with both suppliers and customers, she consistently delivers results in highly competitive markets. Bickery Food Group is a prominent player in the food and beverage industry, excelling in the import, sales, marketing and distribution of high-quality brands.
Built on a reputation as a "brand builder with proven track records" in the Dutch market, Bickery is committed to identifying emerging opportunities and cultivating long-term partnerships with global suppliers.
Michael Robinson
Past President |
United Kingdom
Michael is Managing Director and owner of Robinson Young Ltd, a long-established non-food distributor in the UK. Founded by Michael's father in 1972, Michael joined the company in 1985 in Marketing after working in London on business development in the alcohol industry, and was appointed MD in 1995.
In 2002 Michael bought out the other shareholders to take full control of the business. Robinson Young joined ESMA in 2001 and are a multi-award-winning specialist provider of sales, marketing and distribution services for brands both in the UK and around the world.
Specialising in supplying non-food FMCG products to all UK consumer channels — including Amazon — as well as traditional sectors including grocery retailers, wholesalers, discounters, convenience, pharmacy. Primarily their expertise is in Health & Beauty, Household, and Food Service products. Michael now has over 37 years of experience developing brands in the industry.
Anna Margaritelli
Past President |
Italy
Anna is Head of Export Markets & Business Development Director at the Barilla Group.
"I call myself a Barilla veteran. I've been with the company since 1981, starting as a customer service representative for Japan — the market that taught me the most, because their focus on total quality and perfection is unique.
From customer service I moved into managerial positions, building my capabilities and reaching broader knowledge of markets across 5 continents. My focus for 20 years was on Asia — from India to China, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand — where I travelled extensively to meet customers, cultivate relationships, and develop business.
I built the route to market through distributors in all the countries where our products could be exported. Export's role is to seed and grow business until it transforms into a local reality, with people on the ground to better serve our partners."
William Rochford
Board Member |
Ireland
William is the Owner/Director of BR Marketing, a highly successful food, healthcare, confectionery, beverage and food service distribution company in Ireland.
William holds a Marketing degree and started the business with his brother in 1983. Over the past 42 years they have grown from strength to strength. BR Marketing services all supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, wholesalers, forecourts and food service outlets across the island of Ireland.
They pride themselves on being brand builders — focused on their relationship with partners and providing a 360-degree service for every brand they represent. They have grown many partner brands into brand leaders and household names in the Irish market.
Led by CEO Gordon Kennedy, their senior management team drives the day-to-day operations and future growth of the company. BR Marketing treats every partner brand as their own, and by doing so, has generated exceptional growth alongside their partners over the years.
Sabine Schwaiger
Board Member |
Austria
"After studying Economics in Austria and Ohio/USA, I worked at Mondelez before joining Maresi in 1996. With responsibility for the international partner brand business, I built the division of Maresi into a strong pillar within Austria. Today, Partner Brands account for more than 50% of the Maresi Group."
"In 2013 I was appointed Managing Director of Maresi Austria and our Central and Eastern European subsidiaries, covering Export Business and M&A activities. Following our recent acquisition in Croatia, Maresi now owns companies in 6 countries — Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Croatia — where I serve as Managing Director.
I love working internationally with our export teams and brand partners across different mindsets and cultures. I remain energised by my work, and continue supporting my colleagues in acquiring new brands and companies. Maresi and I have a long-standing partnership with the ESMA International Network, and I'm delighted to actively support the Association as a Board Member."
David O'Neill
CEO |
Ireland
As a senior manager for over 30 years, David has successfully managed a wide portfolio of blue-chip national and international brands.
With extensive experience negotiating with major retailers and international manufacturers at senior management level, he worked with Nestlé across the UK, Ireland and Switzerland for over 20 years.
He served as Managing Director of Stafford Lynch Sales & Marketing for 7 years and Managing Director of SHS Sales & Marketing Ireland for 8 years, and has been a member of the ESMA International Network for over 20 years. David served as President of ESMA in 2013 and assumed the role of CEO in 2015, since which the Association has grown exponentially across the globe.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Event
SIAL
17th to 21st October '26 · Paris, France
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