By Claire Reilly

SYDNEY, NSW: European coffee manufacturer The Jura Group has announced that it will be taking full control over Jura Australia.

In an official announcement released yesterday, Jura announced the move would be a way of “increasing its commitment to its sales team in Australia.”

Speaking exclusively to Current.com.au, Jura Australia’s new National Sales Manager George Liakatos said that the news was a big development. “It’s a sign of strength from the Jura group that they really see great potential here in Australia, and they want to increase their commitment,” Liakatos said.

“The day-to-day business will continue, and that’s a really important message that we want to let all our partners know, every Jura trade partner that we have,” he said. “It’s a really important thing. It’s showing an increasing interest in the Australian market, they see that there’s great potential here. And by the Jura Group taking ownership of it, they can really drive the business in the global market.”

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The change, which will take place officially on 1 July, will see some structural changes including the appointment of a new General Manager. Joe Belo, currently Technical Director for Jura Australia, will take on the position of GM, while Liakatos will leave his post as National Retail Manager to report directly to Belo in the position of National Sales Manager.

According to the official announcement, Jura Australia will keep its headquarters in Wollongong, including the Service Centre, and its cooperation with Global Coffee Solutions will continue. A new Jura Hospitality Centre is also set to be opened in Melbourne in January 2012.