Drinks manufacturer in Vale of Belvoir toasts awards success as sales soar

Awards co-presenter, Ellie Taylor, Nikki Bull, elvoir Brand & Marketing Manager and Adam Leyland, Editor of The Grocer.

Belvoir Fruit Farms, based in Bottesford, where it employs about 80 people, has won the best soft drinks category at the prestigious Grocer New Products Award.

The drinks maker won the award for its Botanical Juniper & Tonic.

The triumph comes as the £16 million turnover drinks maker reports a 20 per cent increase in sales during the hot summer.

The production process at Belvoir Fruit Farms.

The award was presented at a glittering ceremony in London.

Judges praised the drink stating: “In a packed category, this adult soft drink won thanks to its subtle but clever juniper flavouring.”

Afterwards, Pev Manners, managing director of Belvoir Fruit Farms said: “The Grocer New Product Awards are drinks the Oscars of the grocery trade and we are delighted that our Botanical Juniper & Tonic has been recognised.

“We launched it in March and it has already proved popular as an alcohol-free alternative to a classic gin & tonic.

“As well as being simply an interesting, refreshing soft drink, it is great with gin too.”

The new flavour is set to be another hit for Belvoir Fruit Farms, which has seen its sales soar over the summer.

Mr Manners said: “After a stunning August we are up almost 20 per cent this year so far.

“We’ve had a great September and October started well so we are on track for a very good year.

He added: “UK sales have benefitted from the wonderful weather and exports have risen too.

“We’re looking forward to a good Christmas and have big plans for 2019.”

Belvoir’s Botanical Juniper & Tonic sells from £2.99 and is available in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Ocado and most major supermarkets and good farm shops and delis.