Canned Wine Group is delighted to announce that it has appointed co-founder Ben Franks as CEO, as the business takes a new strategic direction with a broadening portfolio and a focus on accelerating its UK growth.
Founded in 2019 by Simon Rollings and Ben Franks, Canned Wine Group was established to challenge traditional wine formats and bring premium, interesting wines to market in more alternative formats. Since its launch, it has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading premium canned wine brands and more recently, has introduced draught wine to its portfolio.
The business has secured national distribution, including a preferred supplier agreement with C&C Group – the largest drinks wholesaler in the UK, and has developed strong traction across multiple channels including entertainment and wider hospitality markets. In 2023, Canned Wine Group acquired competitor The Copper Crew, consolidating its position in the growing canned wine category. In 2025, it expanded further with the launch of its kegged wine portfolio in a move that positioned the Group at the forefront of wine on tap in the UK market.
The new leadership structure sees Ben step into the CEO role effective from 1st March 2026, taking over responsibility from Simon Rollings. The leadership change supports plans to scale distribution, broadening the Group’s premium single-serve canned wine range and introducing a tiered proposition within its keg portfolio to capture a wider share of the on-trade wine market. Alongside portfolio expansion, the business will be investing in strengthening its UK sales infrastructure, to continue category growth and increase market share across the trade.
Ben Franks, Co-Founder and CEO is excited to start this new position and continue Canned Wine Group’s journey: “I’m determined for Canned Wine Group to deliver the most trusted wine-by-the-glass experience. This year, we are excited to innovate with future formats that rapidly expand our availability, and reduce liquid waste from venues up and down the country. Simon and the team have laid strong foundations for us to lead the market and I’m looking forward to building on them in our next phase of growth.”
Simon Rollings now transitions to Executive Chair, where he will focus on long-term market strategy, governance, funding and building a world class board: “I am very pleased that Ben will take my place as CEO. As co-founder at Canned Wine Group, Ben is uniquely well placed to lead the business through its next stage of growth. He brings a wealth of contacts from his time as CEO of Novel Wines and MD of Ben Franks Wine. I’m also excited to take on the Executive Chair role that will shape the long term direction of our Group and ensure we remain leaders in this growing market.”
Under Simon’s leadership, Canned Wine Group achieved the second highest score globally through Positive Luxury’s ESG+ Butterfly Mark certification in 2024, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible growth.
As the UK wine market continues to evolve, Canned Wine Group’s alternative wine format strategy positions it as a leading figure in changing consumer behaviours and increasing demand for operational efficiency within the trade.
For more information on Canned Wine Group, please visit www.cannedwine.group
