Global Brands reports 19% sales growth

VK producer Global Brands experienced a 19.5% sales increase in its 2018 fiscal year, with volume sales of tonic brand Franklin & Sons doubling.

Tonic brand Franklin & Sons reported a 101% volume sales growth in fiscal 2018

The UK-based drinks producer saw its turnover reach more than £50 million (US$65.9m) in the year ending 30 September 2018, with gross profit jumping up to £14m (US$18.5m) from £11.8m (US$15.5m) during the previous year.

Chesterfield-headquartered Global Brands, which now distributes to 58 countries, saw total exports for the year grow by 21% boosted by “strong demand” in Belgium, Italy and South Africa.

The Franklin & Sons brand grew sales volumes by 101%. The range was extended with the launch of the four-strong tonic series Flavour Collection and three infused sodas, which contain 49 calories per 275ml bottle.

Last year, Global Brands secured a listing for its Franklin & Sons range in South Africa’s largest retailer, Pick N Pay.

The “success” of the company’s new ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail range All Shook Up saw the addition of a third variant – Flamingo Colada.

Founder and chairman of Global Brands Steve Perez said: “Premium quality tasting drinks, packaged in sleek and stylish cans meant that we exceeded original sales targets for All Shook Up, selling more than two million cans in just 10 months following launch.

“It’s 20 years this year since we sold our first bottle of the RTD and it’s more popular than ever – it’s the best-selling drink of its type in bars and late-night venues across the UK and we sold over 28 million bottles of VK in the on- and off-trade last year.

“Sticking to our roots is fuelling ongoing new product development, range expansion and sales. This is creating new revenue opportunities for our customers and opening up more markets for Global Brands.

“We’re currently meeting growing demand from as far afield as Colombia to China and Norway to North Korea, expanding our presence around the world.”