New Irlam drinks company poised to build premium spirits portfolio

A newly-formed drinks company, based in Irlam, focusing on spirits is set to curate, create and craft a portfolio of premium brands for the UK drinks industry.

Led by industry professional Becky Davies, former on-trade sales director at Mangrove Global, and powered by Manchester-based firm Kingsland Drinks, the new company will benefit from Kingsland Drinks’s unrivalled route to market and end-to-end category service, but will run as an entirely separate business dedicated to providing luxury and premium drink brands and expertise to the On and Off trade.

The new company – set to be named and officially launched soon – will offer a portfolio of authentic, premium agency brands alongside new and emerging brands that have been crafted with the utmost care and best intentions.

Becky has enjoyed a long-standing career in the spirit and hospitality industries, working through the ranks at high-profile cocktail bars in Manchester and Leeds, before making the move into sourcing, sales and management.

During her time at Mangrove Global, Becky worked with more than 40 premium brands over multiple spirit categories, some of which are now successful global brands having been nurtured and established in the UK On trade.

She said: “Spirits have been my passion for over a decade, and the innovation and creativity illustrated on a daily basis is incredible to be part of.

“I can’t wait to bring all of that to the new company with the freedom to shape a seriously brilliant portfolio of brands and service some of the hospitality industry’s best outlets.

“I’ve grown through the industry, making great connections and long-term relationships along the way. I come into the role with a focused objective to build compelling, relevant and conscious brands with a team of knowledgeable drink specialists.”

She added: “My focus right now is to continue my search for exciting, innovative and – where possible – first-to-market liquids and brands to collaborate with.

“We want to bring together a team of experts who strive to be part of something with real momentum, energy and ambition.”

Andy Sagar, executive chairman of Kingsland Drinks, said: “It’s early days in the formation of the new company, but we’re very much behind supporting its growth across the industry. Under Becky’s expert eye it will exist as a stand alone business with the freedom to grow and evolve naturally.

“Critically, its offering will be a welcome shot in the arm for premium drinks. UK consumers are increasingly seeking out new and exciting drinks and becoming more sophisticated in their choices and knowledge.

“We’re excited about the offering Becky is curating and have incredible confidence that, with Becky at the helm, it’ll become a destination for outlets seeking stand-out luxury and premium drink brands.”