Soft drinks firm lands university funding

A soft drinks company has landed a £15,000 grant from the University of West England.

Cacto was founded by Sam Jukes who is based in Bristol.

The company will use the finance to develop Cacto’s rebrand and two new products, set to launch later this month.

The cash boost – which is part of the University’s Entrepreneurial Futures Award – is distributed to businesses that show “exceptional potential and traction with their ventures”.

Sam Jukes said: “As a young business, the funding is extremely valuable to the brand, allowing us to expand our range of drinks to offer further products that give consumers the opportunity to enjoy a health drink with a difference.

“Prickly pear fruit is not only delicious, but its immense health benefits extend beyond human health. With water deprivation being a growing environmental concern, prickly pears require hardly any water to grow.

“We are excited for 2024 and we are looking forward to continuing our journey to normalising the prickly pear and create health drinks which are readily available for all to enjoy.”