Britain’s Oldest Maltster, French & Jupps, Welcomes Annabelle Degroot as New Managing Director

French & Jupps Maltings, Britain's oldest maltster established in 1689, has appointed Annabelle Degroot as its new Managing Director, effective Wednesday, 3 December 2025.

As an accomplished leader, Annabelle brings a wealth of global experience and specialised expertise from her career in the beer industry with SAB Miller and AB InBev and more recently with Unilever where she focussed on climate and nature related initiatives. Grounded in her financial background, Annabelle has extensive leadership, commercial and operational experience positioning her perfectly to lead French & Jupps into a new chapter.

Honouring Tradition, Defining The Future

Established in 1689, French & Jupps is renowned for its handcrafted specialty roasted malts and crystal malts, supplying brewers and food manufacturers across the UK and internationally from its historic facility in Stanstead Abbotts.

Annabelle Degroot succeeds Paul King, who steps down after successfully steering the company through a period of growth and development since 2020.

Chairman, David Jupp, will continue in his role, providing continuity and guidance alongside the new Managing Director, Annabelle Degroot, continuing the legacy of the Jupp family at French & Jupps, commented on the transition:

"I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Paul King for his exceptional work and dedication to French & Jupps over the last five years. He has been a prudent guardian of the company's heritage whilst driving growth and development in the business. We wish him the very best as he takes a step back, and are delighted to welcome Annabelle Degroot as our new Managing Director. We are excited for the energy and vision she will bring to the company for the years ahead."

David Jupp, Chairman, French & Jupps

About French & Jupps Maltings

Established in 1689, French & Jupps is Great Britain's oldest maltster. Based in Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire, the company specialises in the production of highest-quality specialty roasted and fine crystal malts, supplying the brewing, distilling, and food industries worldwide.

Contact: james.marinos@frenchandjupps.co.uk

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