The 121-Year-Old Recipe That Changed Everything
The story of Fentimans, a Northumberland-based drinks company, is one of revival and success. The business was revived in the late 1980s by Eldon Robson, the great grandson of brewer Thomas Fentiman, on the back of a 121-year-old recipe that had been lying in a drawer for decades.
The recipe, which was written on a scrap of paper, was for a botanically brewed ginger beer that had been provided as security for a loan that was never repaid. Thomas Fentiman became the owner of the recipe and used it to start making Fentimans Ginger Beer in traditional stone jars.
A Journey of Ups and Downs
The journey of Fentimans has not been without its ups and downs. When Eldon Robson relaunched the business, the first year’s takings were just £110,000, with losses of £11,681. However, the business slowly began to grow, and by 2024, the company’s gross sales had reached £39.6m, with export figures accounting for £16.1m of that total.
The company’s success can be attributed to its unique approach to brewing, which involves a seven-day process that sets it apart from other carbonated drinks manufacturers. The company’s vintage-style glass bottles and flavors, such as curiosity cola and rose lemonade, have also drawn in new customers around the world.
The Takeover by AG Barr
In a recent development, Fentimans was acquired by AG Barr, the £420m-turnover Scottish drinks giant, for a whopping £38m. The acquisition is part of AG Barr’s strategy to strengthen its presence in high-growth beverage categories, and the company sees real potential in the Fentimans brand and products.
However, the takeover has also raised concerns about the future of the business, particularly with regards to the potential loss of jobs at the company’s Hexham base. AG Barr has confirmed that 37 roles are at risk, and it is also understood that the company has proposed to close the site in three months.
What the Future Holds
As Fentimans looks to the future under AG Barr ownership, it is clear that the company will continue to play a significant role in the non-alcoholic and adult soft drinks sector. The company’s commitment to its unique brewing process and its focus on creating premium mixers and wellness drinks will likely continue to drive growth and innovation in the industry.
For Indian investors and traders looking to capitalize on the growth of the soft drinks market, researching the Indian soft drinks market and exploring investment opportunities in the beverage industry may be a worthwhile endeavor. By staying ahead of the curve and keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry, investors can make informed decisions and potentially reap significant rewards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Fentimans is one of revival, success, and innovation. The company’s commitment to its unique brewing process and its focus on creating premium mixers and wellness drinks have driven growth and innovation in the industry. As the company looks to the future under AG Barr ownership, it is clear that Fentimans will continue to play a significant role in the non-alcoholic and adult soft drinks sector.