The company ended its financial year with a total turnover of £42m, while gross profit also increased to £11.8m, from £10.8m, for the same period.
The fast-growing drinks business, which supplies the on and off-trade channels both domestically and abroad, attributes its growth to “consumer-focused innovation” and “growing demand for premium-quality products”.
During 2017, Global Brands launched a new alcoholic soda, Crooked Beverage Co. The craft canned drink, which provides an alternative for consumers tiring of fruits ciders, gained listings with operators such as Revolution Bars and Deltic following its launch in May 2017.
Strong export growth
Its premium range of tonics, mixers and soft drinks, Franklin & Sons, which launched in 2015, continue to prove popular with consumers in both the UK and internationally. Volume sales grew by 281%, and exports grew to 42 countries around the world (from 25 in 2016).
The company, which has a portfolio of 19 brands, saw total exports for the year grow by 50%, and it now distributes to 59 countries internationally.
Global Brands was also recently announced as the distributor for LoneWolf’s premium spirits, the distilling arm of Scottish craft beer producer BrewDog.
The company was selected following a three-way tender process due to its Franklin & Sons business and innovative ideas. The partnership will seek to grow LoneWolf sales by £40m over the next two years.
Delivering on the call for innovation
Global Brands founder and chairman Steve Perez said: “Consumer demands and taste preferences sit at the heart of what we do and is really driving our growth to keep pace with a fast-changing market.
“Understanding what people want, whether that’s premium-tasting mixers made using only natural ingredients or something different to sweet-tasting fruit ciders, has seen us trailblaze. We created the alcoholic soda drinks category and established ourselves in the highly competitive premium tonics, mixers and soft drinks market.”
“We never sit still when it comes to product development and there’s no greater buzz than working with supermarkets, bars and restaurants to answer their call for innovation.
“Consumers are demanding more for their money in terms of taste and quality. Being able to successfully meet this challenge is the best part of the job and continues to see us expand across the UK and internationally.”