Supplier seeks funding for small-scale bottling business

An entrepreneur is seeking financial backing for a bespoke contract bottling service geared towards individuals, start-ups and SMEs.

A bid to raise £530,000 has been launched through Kickstarter by Chris John after he was forced to suspend production of his Tani-Mola ginger-based drinks brand 12 months ago when his bottling provider was bought out by another company. At the time of writing (21 July), the Kickstarter campaign had two days to run and had secured less than £2,000 in backing for proposed business SME Bottling.

John had supplied his Mellow Yellow and Punchy Lime drinks to Budgens stores in London as well Planet Organic for almost a year and a half but was unable to meet the larger volume order demands of his bottler’s new owner.

“I wasn’t at a stage to do that,” he told The Grocer. “In trying to find a new contract bottler I’ve spoken to 150-plus manufacturers and realised there is a gap in the market for small-scale contract bottling services.

”My service is designed to do small runs from as little as 250 litres using the same industrial machines, equipment and technology that are on par with bottling machines and equipment used by big and established soft drink companies.”

SME Bottling also plans to offer clients NPD services, guidance on growing brands within the soft drinks industry, as well as storage, warehousing and delivery of stock.

Universities, bars, health clubs, pubs, cafes, restaurants and individuals looking to produce personalised drinks are among those that may benefit from the service, said John.