This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Innovatus Drinks buys Sollasa apéritif
UK-based producer Innovatus Drinks has acquired Sollasa, an apéritif brand designed to be paired with Indian food, for an undisclosed sum.
Innovatus Drinks, which owns Horse Guards Gin and canned apéritif Pedrino Spritz, said the acquisition of Sollasa allows it to tap into the consumer demand for lower-alcohol alternatives that suit ‘lower temper occasions’ focused on food.
Launched in July 2021, the 20% ABV apéritif was designed specifically to serve with Indian dishes.
It is made with orange zest, lime, lychee, mint, basil, coriander seeds, cardamom and sea salt.
Paul McCarthy, CEO of Innovatus Drinks, said: “Our acquisition of Sollasa is another example of our agility and ability to quickly react to consumer demand.
“There is a growing market for lower-alcohol ‘spirits’ and particularly for premium products with unique flavour profiles. Over a year ago we set out our strategy to our shareholders and it’s a great credit to our team and support from those shareholders that we continue to deliver against our targets.”
As part of the deal, Sollasa co-founder Vishal Patel will join the advisory panel at Innovatus. Patel created the brand with his brother-in-law Sajag Patel.
“We are delighted to partner with Innovatus Drinks for the next phase of Sollasa’s growth,” said Vishal Patel.
“Sajag (co-founder) and I have loved every step of the journey so far; from starting with an idea on a page during lockdown, developing the liquid in our kitchen, creating a beautifully designed bottle to selling it in bars and restaurants nationwide.
“We are very excited for Innovatus Drinks to help take our vision for pairing great-tasting food with great-tasting drinks to more consumers and new markets.”
Last year, Sollasa teamed up with UK distributor Craftwork to secure listings in pan-Asian restaurants.
In 2022, Sollasa partnered with mixer producer Double Dutch to create a canned ready-to-drink serve.
Based in London, Innovatus Drinks is also the owner of Willem Barentsz Gin and Wing Walker Rum.