CBL strikes deal to reinvigorate flavoured water and mixers brands

The drinks are owned by Speaking Water Brands but had been manufactured and distributed by Silver Spring Soft Drinks until it entered administration last year.

Now CBL has struck a deal with the company to produce the drinks under licence, and to distribute and market them in the UK.

Under the new company the brands are being re-launched with new packaging, including a new 200ml glass bottle for the 1870s Mixers range.

CBL hopes the brand, which includes a tonic, light tonic, bitter lemon, soda water and a ginger ale, will fill the gap between Schweppes and drinks like Fever-Tree.

Perfectly Clear, the still and sparkling flavoured water range, has historically been an off-trade-only brand but CBL’s Maurice Newton said the firm was looking into a 330ml glass bottle format to push the brand into pubs and bars for the first time.

“Initially we have just concentrated on reinvigorating the brand but, with adult soft drinks a growing category in the on-trade, we believe there is a real opportunity for Perfectly Clear there.

“It is already the number-two flavoured water brand (behind the Danone-owned Volvic Touch of Fruit) in the off-trade,” he added.

The Speaking Water deal marks a shift in focus for CBL, which until now has dealt purely in contract packaging. “CBL has an expanding client base for its contract facilities and will continue to produce premium branded products in glass and PET alongside its own brands,” said Newton.