The Start-Up Drinks Lab, which was founded last year by Hannah Fisher and Craig Strachan has taken an undisclosed investment from Scotmid Co-operative.
The firm will specialise in contract manufacturing specifically for craft sodas with the business officially opening its doors in May with a new production facility in Kelburn Business Park, Port Glasgow.
The company will offer five key services – product development in the trial kitchen, manufacturing, packaging, storage and distribution. The distribution includes both a dedicated e-shop which will showcase the best hard-to- find craft sodas from around the world as well as in-market distribution within the off and on trade through a selection of distributors both in the UK and abroad.
John Brodie, CEO of Scotmid Co-operative said, “Complimentary diversification is a key element of the growth plans of Scotmid. In Hannah and Craig we have found two young entrepreneurial business people who share many of our co-operative values and our vision of helping other businesses.
“We are delighted to be able to offer both financial and business support – vital for them at this key start up stage. We look forward to working with them over the coming years and watching them grow and develop into another successful Scottish business.”
Craig Strachan said, ”The backing from Scotmid gives us excellent support through the initial start-up phase of our business. We have already developed a close working relationship with John and his senior management team”.
In addition, Hannah Fisher commented that, “They believe in what we are trying to achieve and they share our vision in being able to offer soft drink brand owners a service which encompasses everything from concept through to shelf”.
