United Coffee UK & Ireland to rebrand as UCC Coffee

United Coffee UK & Ireland has announced plans to rebrand and change its name to UCC Coffee UK & Ireland.

It is hoped the change of identity, effective from 1 April, will align the brand globally and reflect the company's expanding portfolio of products and services as a "Total Coffee Solution" provider.

The company's €500m (£418m) acquisition in 2012 by UCC of Japan, the first Asian coffee company to buy a European one, created one of the biggest independent coffee companies in the world. Since then, the company has continued to use the United Coffee UK & Ireland name and logo.

Elaine Higginson, managing director, explained: "The name change will give us a single identity around the world and a strong base to move forward. As well as the new logo, we've also included a new strapline ‘The Total Coffee Solution'. This reflects our focus to put the customer and coffee at the heart of everything we do.

"Only the name is changing. Our new brand identity won't change who we are. Our customers will still be able to talk to the same people and receive the same levels of customer service, and as part of UCC, we have access to even more new products and insight into coffee drinking habits and trends from around the world."

The company has relocated its European head office to London and is responsible for £2b sales turnover globally and 7,300 employees.