Driving Growth and Value in Food & Beverage
Mike Brehme has built, led, and advised ambitious brands, driving growth,
operational excellence, and sustainability.
A strategic leader with 40 years’ experience, Mike offers a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and strategic insight, collaborating closely with founders, boards, and investors to deliver impactful change, drive growth and transformation.
Biography
As the co-founder of Clipper Teas, Mike pioneered the world’s first Fairtrade tea brand and built the global leader in organic and ethical sourcing.
After successfully exiting Clipper Teas to private equity investors in 2008, Mike has continued to drive growth and transformation as an Advisor, a Non-Executive Director and Chair for ambitious food and beverage brands.
Mike’s expertise in brand development, operational excellence, and strategic guidance has made him a sought-after advisor for businesses seeking sustainable growth and market leadership.
Get in touch to discuss:
- Strategic leadership and advisory services
- Brand development, growth, and profitability strategies
- Organisational strategy and transformation
- Sustainability initiatives
Summary:
Mike Brehme has built, led, and advised ambitious brands, driving growth, operational excellence, and sustainability.
Mike collaborates closely with founders, boards, and investors to deliver impactful change within the food and beverage sector.
Work Experience
2021 - Present
Chairman
Typhoo Tea Limited
Leading strategic revitalisation efforts for one of Britain’s iconic tea brands. Focused on operational restructuring, brand portfolio enhancement, and securing financial stability, resulting in significant new distribution and breakeven performance.
2021 - Present
Non-Executive Director
Hilltop Honey Limited
Providing strategic guidance to the UK’s fastest-growing honey brands. Supported Hilltop’s revenue expansion from £11m to £46m, focusing on brand development, improving profitability, and operational and supply chain optimisation.
2019 - 2023
Non-Exec Chair
DC-Activ
State-of-the-art FMCG retail optimisation. ImpactXP simulates brand success through perfect store category insight, shopper research and Ai simulations for the world’s leading consumer brands.
2021 - Present
Consultant
Littles Coffee Limited
Assisting the founder and marketing team in shaping consumer-centric strategies. Played a crucial role in influencing retailer decisions and establishing Littles as a prominent player in the speciality coffee market.
2018 - Present
Non-Executive Director
Brindisa Limited
Supported Brindisa, the UK’s top Spanish food importer, in expanding its brand presence and sales channel performance. Played an integral role in setting achievable growth targets and significantly more profitable performance strategies.
2017 - 2020, 2024 - Present
Consultant
Cafedirect PLC
Enhanced Cafedirect’s supply chain to improve gross margins significantly. Currently leading a review of operations following acquiring new brands, ensuring seamless integration and profitability.
1983 - 2008
Founder & CEO
Clipper Teas Limited
Founded the world’s first Fairtrade tea brand, making Clipper a global leader in organic and ethical sourcing. Managed the business for 25 years, culminating in a successful acquisition by private equity.
Skills
Strategic Leadership
Expertise in developing and executing strategies that drive sustained growth and maximise value, enabling organisations to thrive in competitive markets.
Brand Development
Expert in understanding, positioning, and expanding brand propositions in competitive markets—covering shopper journey, consumer engagement, and multi-channel strategies.
Board-Level Advisory
Extensive experience as a Non-Executive Director and Chair, providing strategic guidance and governance oversight that ensures alignment with organisational goals.
Organisational performance
Proven ability to lead complex operational changes and optimise productivity within manufacturing, delivering maximum value and supporting sustainable growth.
Investor Relations
Deep understanding of shareholder and executive relationships, working with management and institutional investors to ensure alignment with business goals.
Business Growth & Expansion
Experienced in managing relationships with shareholders and institutional investors, aligning interests to support scalability and drive long-term profitability.
Sustainability & Ethical Practices
A leader in the sustainability movement driving ethical practices that resonate with both consumers and stakeholders.
Supply Chain Optimisation
Expertise in enhancing supply chain effectiveness to enhance margins, cashflow and operational efficiency, maintaining product quality and impact.
From my Blog
View All
Bridging the Gap: Borrowing Big Business Strategies for Smaller Companies
In the ever-evolving food and beverage industry, success is driven not only by the quality
READ MORE
Navigating Board-Level Advisory and Executive Guidance in Today’s Business Landscape
In today’s dynamic business environment, success is shaped not only by innovative products or services
READ MORE
Rudi Patni
Partner,
Zetland Capital
Zetland Capital is a leading investment firm that focuses on strategic acquisitions and partnerships to drive growth and operational excellence in consumer brands.
"Michael's strategic leadership, brand and operational expertise have been instrumental in driving Typhoo Tea's turnaround. His ability to work closely with our team to identify opportunities for growth, streamline operations, and deliver tangible results has made him a valuable partner for our investment."
Will Little
Director
Little's Coffee
Little's Coffee is a family-owned brand known for its bold, flavoured instant coffees, offering unique blends that stand out in the market.
"Mikes strategic guidance has been instrumental in helping us refine our brand, marketing, product and organisation strategies. His deep industry knowledge and hands-on approach have greatly contributed to our brand’s growth and ability to connect with retailers and consumers."
John Steel
Managing Director
Cafedirect
Cafedirect is a leading UK coffee brand known for its commitment to fair trade, ethical sourcing, and supporting smallholder farmers. A pioneer in creating positive change in the coffee industry."
“Working with Mike has been instrumental in enhancing our operations. His strategic guidance has significantly improved our supply chain and profitability.”
Scott Davies
Founder & MD
Hilltop Honey
Hilltop Honey is one of the UK’s fastest-growing honey brands, committed to providing pure, unblended honey that supports local beekeepers and sustainable practices.
“Working with Mike has been pivotal in guiding Hilltop’s strategic direction. His insights into brand development and operational efficiency have significantly contributed to our growth.”
Mike Brehme
Founder & Former CEO
Clipper Teas
Clipper Teas is renowned for pioneering the world’s first Fairtrade tea, setting the standard for ethical and organic sourcing in the global market.
“Founding Clipper was about more than just creating great tea; it was about doing things right. From ethical sourcing to innovative brand development, Clipper’s journey reflects a commitment to quality and integrity.”
Monika Linton
Founder & CEO
Brindista
Brindisa is the UK's leading Spanish food importer, renowned for its authentic, high-quality products that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Spain.
"Michael’s strategic insight and guidance have been crucial in refining our brands and expanding our reach. His deep understanding of the food sector and ability to align our growth with operational excellence has made a significant impact on Brindisa’s success."