Northumberland iced drinks company Polar Krush is set for growth on the back of a deal with a small North East drinks firm and a partnership with a UK blue chip business.
The Ashington company says it having its most successful finish to a year ever, despite a turbulent start to 2021, with half-year revenues topping its previous record-breaking time in 2018.
Now the company is predicting large scale growth following a partnership with Unilever brand Wall’s Calippo Slush, and the purchase of independent carbonated drinks brand, 40 Kola. It also has a new senior leadership team at the helm.
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Former sales director Michael Reid has been appointed as the first non-family member CEO at Polar Krush, while Kieran O’Connor has been promoted from financial director to CFO/chairman.
Calippo is one the largest refreshment brands in the UK and Polar Krush is offering customers Calippo flavours as a zero sugar slush. The drink comes in five flavours and uses 100% natural colouring, flavouring and sweeteners.
The group also announced a deal last week to add 40 Kola to its range.
40 Kola is an all-natural caffeine-infused version of a classic cola that was launched four years by friends Dan Young and Kieran Dougan. The pair invented the drink - crafted from all-natural ingredients with 40mg of caffeine, the equivalent of a double espresso – in a Jesmond kitchen, aiming it at “late-night thinkers and party bringers” as part of the growing craft soda market.
Polar Krush said it will be looking to develop the range and drive expansion across the country, and will then add the range to its premium Post Mix offering.
Michael Reid, CEO of Polar Krush said: “We have been huge fans of the product and branding of 40 Kola for a number of years and really think there is a gap in the market for a strong brand to offer a craft style soft drink nationally. We see us getting this top-quality packaged product out across the country and into as many venues as possible.
“On top of this we want to expand the range by offering it to venues in a post mix format, allowing sites to offer it in leisure venues up and down the country from our brand new dispense equipment with top quality service. This will allow everyone to experience this quality product at the best possible value.”
Mr Reid said the pandemic was incredibly difficult for its customers, meaning it had to diversify and consolidate its offering.
He said: “It is incredible to start 2022 by aligning with Unilever for the launch of Calippo Burst across the UK. It shows the level of professionalism and belief that they have in our company and capabilities.
“Our team have gone above and beyond to make sure that our customers have felt supported throughout an incredibly difficult period. Our high-volume operating machines, advanced technology solutions and exceptional customer service means that our clients can feel confident in their product offering and know that their sales are protected against unexpected breakdowns or out-of-action machines.
“Later this year we will be expanding our environmental pledge by introducing completely plastic free paper cups and lids to go along with our paper spoon straws. We take our environmental commitment very seriously and it plays a key part in our expansion plans for Europe, North Africa and beyond.
“We have been a leading iced drinks brand for over 25 years and we now have the capacity, standards and infrastructure to continue to expand, both at home and internationally in 2022.
"I am incredibly proud that the team are realising our vision and we are already working on bigger and better ways to change the face of the soft drinks industry.”
