The founders of Propercorn are among investors to back a £300k equity raise for canned wine startup Nice, ahead of its launch in Sainsbury’s this month.
The supplier has received backing from the popcorn business’ founders Cassandra Stavrou and Ryan Kohn, as well as Winterbotham Darby CEO Steven Higginson and former England footballer Steve Coppell, among others.
Cuckoo bircher muesli co-founder Lucy Wright and Vita Coco head of international Jeremy May launched Nice last year using personal savings.
Pale Rose and Sauvignon Blanc SKUs in 250ml cans are rolling out to 600 Sainsbury’s stores this month, as part of its Future Brands programme.
The launch comes amid global growth in canned wine, with predictions it will see significant growth in the UK this year. Sales of canned wine have already surged in the US, growing 43% to $45m in the year to June 2018 [Nielsen].
“This cash is largely for cashflow, for first production, pay, building the team and the marketing strategy,” said May. “I think we have the opportunity to do something similar to what the likes of Propercorn did.”
“Quality wine in a can that is accessible to all makes real sense, especially given Nice’s strong brand identity, convenience and environmental benefits,” said Kohn.
Tom Elliot, origination and development manager for Future Brands, said: “Nice is quality wine in a can that has mass market appeal and is 100% recyclable, which made it a no-brainer to Sainsbury’s.”
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