Case Study

Drinks specialist Real Drinks Group secures funding from IGF to catalyse growth

Real Drinks Group

For over 15 years, the UK-based distributor business has been discovering, creating and bringing exciting new drinks to the high street. The new funding will enable it to expand into new retailers across the UK and broaden the range of producers it represents.

Independent Growth Finance (IGF) has provided Real Drinks Group Ltd with a substantial funding facility to support its growth and future expansion. The funds provide working capital to sign on new customers and expand the variety of branded and supermarket own-brand drinks it supplies.

Founded in 2005 by Nick Dolan, the Middlesex-based company works with breweries, spirits producers, pre-mixed drinks businesses and vineyards to champion independent brands and share the best quality products available with consumers. Real Drinks Group supplies major UK supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S, as well as convenience stores including Nisa and One Stop.

The drinks opportunity

Specialising in beers, wines and spirits (BWS), Real Drinks Group was founded at the beginning of the craft boom for drinks. Since then, it has continuously grown year after year, supplying stores nationwide with a variety of drinks predominantly on the craft end.

In a sector dealing with big supermarkets and high volume, the ability to consistently release cash is crucial to continuing growth. The finance from IGF supports the growth and expansion of Real Drinks Group.

IGF came as a recommendation and was chosen from a pool of potential partners, ranging from institutional to boutique firms, following a very robust assessment process.

James Hughes, Director at Real Drinks Group, said: “When it came to choosing a finance partner, IGF were the best fit for our business and strategic plans. The team are both personally and professionally a pleasure to work with, and IGF’s approach of a tailored, boutique solution to fit our needs were stand-out factors versus other potential service providers in the market. We look forward to ongoing success supported by the IGF team.”

Jon Hughes, Director at IGF, said: “Real Drinks Group provide an important service in the retail supply chain, they are a valuable partner for both suppliers and customers. An ambitious business, with a passion for championing exciting products. The business is well placed to become a huge player in the management and distribution of drinks in the craft segment.

“IGF provided a facility that was carefully tailored to the business’ unique needs, and which will be used to propel their growth and open up new sales channels.”

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