A changing of the (international) guard at Welch’s

Wayne Lutomski has joined Welch’s as vice president of the brand’s international division.



Welch's, the leading marketer of Concord and Niagara grape-based products, named Lutomski to the position following the retirement of Bill Hewins who spent 30 years with Welch’s.



Lutomski previously served as VP international development of Just Born Inc., the company best-known for Mike & Ike and Peeps products. Previously, Lutomski spent eight years with Pepsi, launching SoBe in 35 countries and helping the company’s new Adrenaline Rush product become the market leader in several countries. He also built international markets for Gatorade, successfully driving Korea to become the largest non-U.S. market. In addition, Lutomski introduced the Snapple brand in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. He began his career with E. & J. Gallo, the world's largest winery.



"Welch's is a beloved American brand, with strong footholds in several international markets," Lutomski said. "I am delighted to join Welch's at this critical time of global developments, to help expand existing markets and build new ones."

Welch’s president and CEO, Brad Irwin, said Lutomski’s wealth of international food and beverage industry experience would fuel long-term global development Welch’s iconic products.



"We are enjoying positive trends in many global markets, despite challenging economic factors, and we're thrilled to have Wayne on board to take us even further," Irwin said. "We're excited by the broad scope of his global experience."

Welch’s is unique among branded CPG products in that it functions as the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Welch's is owned by more than 1,000 family-farmers across America and in Ontario, Canada, who make up the cooperative and grow the Concord grapes used in Welch's juices and other grape-based products. Welch's products are sold throughout the U.S. and in approximately 50 countries.