Franklin & Sons launches brand new format across on trade

Leading independent soft drink and mixer brand, Franklin & Sons​, is expanding its portfolio with the launch of a new 250ml recycled aluminium can format, initially launching in three of its best-selling flavours.

This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability, while honouring its rich heritage and dedication to quality.

The launch flavours for the new canned format include Elderflower, Raspberry, Dandelion, & Burdock.

Whilst Elderflower and Raspberry Lemonade are two of the brand’s best-selling flavours, as a cornerstone of the brand’s original flavour collection, Dandelion & Burdock, is also included in the new format. This inclusion reinforces Franklin and Sons’ commitment to provenance, paying homage to the brand’s traditional, pioneering heritage. 

The introduction of the 250ml recycled aluminium cans is reflective of the current trend in adult soft drinks, particularly in the canned format, which is seeing a surge in popularity.

The market for adult soft cans is currently valued at an estimated £83.4 million*, a figure that is expected to increase as consumers seek convenient and portable beverage options.

This trend is further supported by the rise of premium soft drinks, which now command a market value of £98.2 million and is outperforming the overall soft drinks category with a year-on-year growth of 3.6%, compared to the category’s overall growth of 2.6%*.

The launch comes in response to recent market data*, which highlights a growing consumer preference for convenience and ease of service, making it ideal for on trade venues such as pubs and bars, where speed and efficiency are key to enhancing customer experience and driving sales.

In addition to convenience, sustainability is becoming a key concern for consumers, with many actively choosing canned drinks over single-use plastic or glass due to their widespread recyclability. Franklin & Sons has responded to this growing demand by introducing cans made from recycled aluminium, which is infinitely recyclable and perfectly suited for venues looking to meet consumer expectations for more eco-friendly option.

The new, canned format for soft drinks also offers practical benefits for on trade venues, including a significant reduction in waste disposal and handling costs.

The appeal of the new canned range extends beyond sustainability and convenience. The drinks are crafted to cater to a broad audience, from students seeking a refreshing non-alcoholic option between studying, to parents looking for a delicious pick-me-up during a busy, working day.

The versatility of the 250ml format ensures that these premium, flavourful soft drinks are accessible and suitable for all occasions and lifestyles. Whether you're in a vibrant student venue targeting Gen-Z consumers or a more upscale bar catering to a discerning clientele, Franklin & Sons' new canned range fits seamlessly into a wide variety of on trade settings.

Moreover, the canned range is vegan-friendly, HFSS compliant and low in calories, with no artificial additives. Each flavour in the range is also presented in its own individual premium aesthetic design, reflecting the brand’s dedication to style and quality.

Lauren Edwards, Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons, commented: “We’re thrilled to introduce our new 250ml cans, making some of our best-selling softs even more accessible to venues.

Lauren continues: “The range represents our dedication to providing premium yet practical beverages while never compromising on sustainability. With each can made from infinitely recyclable aluminium, they significantly reduce disposal and handling costs for pubs and bars, while also appealing to the eco-conscious consumer.”

The new cans, like the rest of Franklin & Sons’ soft drinks range, are designed to significantly enhance the drinking experience through a bespoke carbonation process.

By combining the physical sensation of the bubbles, with enhanced flavours, Franklin & Sons is able to create a multi-layered drinking experience that bars must embrace to truly elevate their drinks menu to new heights.

The new canned format follows the recent launch of the Franklin & Sons’ new Peach & Mango - a refreshing, tropical soft drink brought to market in response to a 30.7% year-on-year growth in peach and mango flavour variants within the category*. 

For more information on how to stock the range, contact the Franklin & Sons sales team today: https://franklinandsons.co.uk/contact/​.

For further information please contact the Franklin & Sons press office team on Tybony@cebuvovgvbace.pb.hx​ 

SOURCES​ 

Home | Can Makers​

Flavoured Carbonates: £885.3m +7.5% (+£62.1m) 

250ml: £51.0m +38.3% (+£14.1m) 

NIQ Softs Data (Mults + Impulse) 52 Weeks to 23.03.24 

Cans are valued at £427.8m  

Adult soft drink cans valued at £83.4m

Cans are the biggest format in the category accounting for 48% of category value