North East soft drinks maker Fentimans is toasting a new national contract which will see its botanic brews sold in bars and restaurants across the UK.
Hexham-based Fentimans has sealed a deal with Mitchells & Butlers which will see it supply its premium soft drinks to the majority of the hospitality firm’s estate.
Fentimans will be available throughout Mitchells and Butlers restaurant and bar chains including Browns, Miller & Carter, All Bar One, Harvester, Toby Carvery, and all 180 Vintage Inns. Available across the listings will be Fentimans’ biggest selling flavours Rose Lemonade and Ginger Beer, along with Mandarin and Seville Orange Jigger and Dandelion and Burdock.
Nigel Tarn, marketing manager at Fentimans said: “We’re so excited to be working with Mitchells & Butlers to offer a taste of the iconic Fentimans flavours to diners across the country.
“We know from research in Fentimans 2022 Market Trends Report that an increasing number of consumers are opting for no and low drinks options, as the effects of the pandemic continue to shine a light on physical health. In fact, nearly a third said they would drink less or no alcohol in venues post-lockdown. Therefore, it’s vital that venues stock a range of adult soft drink options to cater to this trend.
“Mitchells & Butlers’ pride themselves on quality, which is at the heart of what we do and brew at Fentimans and why we believe Fentimans is the perfect partner across their estate, so we are delighted to be a part of their drinks menu across 14 of their brands.”
The deal comes a month after the business published its most recent accounts, covering 2021, showing rising profits and revenues, despite dealing with a catalogue of challenges.
The company, relaunched more than 20 years ago by founder Eldon Robson through a traditional ginger beer recipe owned by his family, posted gross sales of £44m, a 20% lift on the previous year, while operating profit saw a sixfold increase from £260,535 to £1.61m.
