Heineken family acquires minority stake in Double Dutch
The Heineken family's investment is intended to provide new capital for the London-based tonic and mixer brand, while using its global network to support Double Dutch’s ambitious growth plans.
The acquisition of a 10% stake will also see major shareholder Michel de Carvalho - husband of Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken who owns a 23% stake in Heineken and serves as executive director - join Double Dutch's supervisory board.
“This is our first family venture into tonics and Double Dutch is an exciting brand with two driven, ambitious young Dutch women entrepreneurs behind it,” de Carvalho said of the deal.
“No longer a start-up brand, it has captured an 8% market share in the UK which is a testament to the founders’ hard work and tenacity.
“I am optimistic, despite the challenges that the current pandemic presents, that Double Dutch will continue to grow exponentially as it has done over the last three years.
“I see the growth in premium tonics continuing, with the demand for luxury soft drinks, healthier low sugar alternatives and unique mixers for exclusive variants of gin and vodka increasing, and Double Dutch fulfils all of those."
Founded in 2015 by twin sisters Raissa and Joyce de Haas, Double Dutch sells more than one million bottles of its nine premium tonics and mixers per month in 26 countries.
Commenting on the investment, Raissa de Haas said: “We are delighted to have the Heineken family on board and it’s an honour that they recognise the potential of our business.
“As well as being hugely exciting commercially, the relationship is a perfect cultural fit – both businesses are Dutch, family-owned and female-driven – we couldn’t be happier.”
