Premium tonic and mixer brand Double Dutch has been decorated with the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise (previously known as the Queen’s Award for Enterprise) aims to celebrate and promote outstanding achievements across various sectors. Since its inception in 1966, these awards have been a symbol of excellence and innovation in British industry.
Double Dutch was born in 2015 from dynamic Dutch twin-founders Raissa & Joyce de Haas, whose passion for flavour led them to craft a range of unexpected dual-flavoured drinks. In just a few years, they have built a multi million pound business, receiving recognition from renowned business leaders such as Richard Branson and the family Heineken, who now hold a minority stake.
The portfolio now includes innovative and flavourful mixers such as ‘Cucumber & Watermelon’, ‘Pomegranate & Basil’, ‘Cranberry & Ginger Tonic’, ‘Pink Grapefruit Soda’, as well as a premium core range including ‘Skinny Tonic Water’, ‘Ginger Ale’ and ‘Ginger Beer’.
The recognition of excellence comes as a result of Double Dutch’s exceptional performance in overseas sales over the past three years, with a growth of 200% overseas business, and the London-based business now increasing its proportion of export to 47% of its total sales.
Double Dutch is now stocked in 39 countries around the globe with its primary export markets in the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy. The female-founded brand grew distribution by 63% last year alone, and as well as being the exclusive tonic used at Soho House in the UK and across Europe, has also been awarded IWSC Mixer Producer of the Year 2023.
The Double Dutch export strategy involves an initial focus on high-end on-trade establishments, expanding into premium retailers, followed by mainstream on-trade and national supermarkets, using local distributors and importers.
Joyce de Haas, twin co-founder at Double Dutch, said: “We are simply honoured to be accepting the most prestigious award in British business, recognising our International Trade efforts.
“The vision for Double Dutch has always been to see it enjoyed in as many territories as possible and it is fantastic to have our efforts acknowledged by HM The King. We have more exciting expansion plans afoot, leveraging our strong presence and robust distribution in Europe to venture into Asia and the Middle East.”
Raissa de Haas, twin co-founder, also reflected: “Having grown up in the Netherlands & Belgium and moving to London to launch our business in 2015, winning the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade feels like a significant full-circle moment – and one that fills us with immense pride.”
Double Dutch is one of 252 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. To qualify for the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, a business must meet stringent criteria, including achieving a minimum of £100,000 in overseas sales in the first year of entry, demonstrating consistent year-on-year growth, and showing substantial expansion in overseas earnings relative to the company’s size and sector.
In recognition of its “consistent growth and sustained success” in reaching international markets, Double Dutch has received an invitation to a reception at Windsor Castle on July 9th, alongside fellow award winners.