Clearly Drinks

Business Description

Clearly Drinks is a soft drinks manufacturer operating in the fast-growing flavoured spring water sector. The business has developed a number of market leading brands within this category.

Background

Based in Sunderland, Clearly Drinks specialises in sugar-free products, with brands including Perfectly Clear, Upstream and Northumbria Spring, all of which are sourced from the firm’s on-site spring.

The business offers flexible processing for its customers, including short and long runs and provides contract bottling services for branded drinks companies across the globe.

NorthEdge Investment Rationale

Clearly Drinks has demonstrated its ability to deliver in a rapidly growing market. As consumers become more conscious about sugary drinks, the firm is well placed to continue its expansion.

Strategy

The NorthEdge investment supported the planned investment in the plant, including a multi-million-pound canning facility which enabled the business to manufacture in cans, glass and polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) (plastic) ; expansion of the leadership team and sales resource, attracting additional blue-chip & major UK retailers; and investing in branded product development.

Exit

In June 2024, NorthEdge exited the business to Supreme plc.