Thursday, March 28, 2024

Commercial drinks supplier toasts to continued success with six-figure funding package

A Colchester-headquartered commercial drinks company is set for further growth as it moves into larger premises and expands into new markets.

Riviera Drinks Co. is a soft-drinks supplier focusing on ‘bag in box’ dispensary systems across pubs, clubs, and restaurants across the UK.

Around a year ago, the business took the decision to expand its footprint and approached Lloyds Bank to support its move to a larger warehouse. With the help of a six-figure asset finance loan and refinancing package, Riviera has now built a new production facility and warehouse in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire.

The new site has upgraded the firm’s existing equipment and allowed it to add new capabilities in-house. This includes a new filling line for bottled products and a labelling machine, allowing Riviera to expand into syrups and liqueurs for cocktails and ensure better consistency and quality across its products. Currently the syrup and liqueur market is primarily served by French companies, so the business hopes it can appeal to the domestic market.

Utilising its new and improved facilities, Riviera is also now trialling draft cocktails using its ‘bag in box’ experience and pure-grade food nitrogen technology, which is already used in some stout and beer manufacturing and will target venues who don’t currently have the facilities to make their own cocktails.

As well as its new warehouse in Swadlincote, Riviera also has a head office in Colchester and sales managers based across the UK.

Andy Howe, co-founder at Riviera Drinks, said: “Being able to expand our production facility and move into new product ranges is incredibly exciting as we continue to look for ways to expand our business and transform the UK drinks industry. And doing this all in-house is a moment of real pride for us.

“With the increase in events such a ‘bottomless brunches’ across the UK, we felt it was the perfect time for us to trial these new cocktail products and expand our offering to our customers. It is even more important after the pandemic, which saw hospitality businesses suffer hugely, to help them find new and innovative ways to welcome customers back – and this is just one of those ways.

“We really believe that the sky’s the limit with our new production capabilities and we’re very grateful to Lloyds Bank for their support throughout this time.”

Stephen Clements, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, added: “Riviera Drinks is a fantastic example of an entrepreneurial British business that has huge growth ambitions, but also has a major focus on maintaining quality and service.

“Following a difficult time for the hospitality industry during the pandemic, we were delighted to be able to support them on their innovative new venture that will transform the drinks industry. We’ll remain by Riviera’s side throughout this next phase of their journey and in the exciting times that we’re sure will follow.”

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