Cumbrian firm launches hibiscuss drink in Africa

TWO Cumbrian farmers behind flower-based juice drink Simply Hibi, already available in UK supermarkets, have now launched the drink in Africa.

Father and son Charles and William Irving are the founders of Ibis Organics, which makes the hibiscuss juice drink. Ethically farmed in Uganda , it has been available in the UK since 2005 and is stocked by retailers including Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.

Ibis Organics has now set up a processing unit in Uganda, working with Britannia Allied Industries, which under the brand name Splash, is one of the largest fruit juice packers in East Africa.

William Irving said: “We are absolutely delighted to be in a position to develop the business and to be selling Simply Hibi in its country of origin.

“This move into the East African market is an important step, allowing us to build on the success of Simply Hibi in the UK and expanding into a market where we have strong ties.”