31 Oct 2016
A new award-winning drinks mixer that enhances the flavour of Prosecco could be hitting supermarket shelves thanks to the early success of a crowd-funding programme run by Tesco.
Despite winning two top food industry awards, the husband and wife team behind Drunken Berries have yet to get their product on sale at a major UK supermarket.
But that could change very soon after the pair became the first start up business to hit their funding target through Tesco’s BackIt initiative.
BackIt gives small food and drink businesses a platform to showcase their products to Tesco customers, and campaign for funding to drive their future growth.
Now Drunken Berries owners Gemma and Andre Glanville are hopeful their alcoholic mixers, which can also be drizzled on desserts or made into sorbets, could soon become a household name.
The mixer range uses high quality gin and brandy with a fine balance of pureed berries, caramelised sugar and lemon juice.
Gemma Glanville said:
“The BackIt scheme is a great idea to help small businesses like ourselves reach customers. Thanks to Tesco customers we can now proceed with our first run of products which they will receive in time for Christmas.
“Prosecco has become one of the UK’s most popular drinks and we are really optimistic we can now start to turn Drunken Berries into a winning brand.”
Drunken Berries are one of eight small businesses currently being supported through the Tesco scheme which also offers suppliers access to advice and mentoring from industry experts, as well as the experience of working with a large retailer.
Customers can discover new and unique products by visiting the www.tesco.com/backit website. If they wish to support any of them they are rewarded with the products they’ve invested in.
Tesco Business Development Director Michael Francis said:
“Drunken Berries was the first product on our BackIt site and it’s fantastic to see it surpass its target.
“As the UK’s largest buyer of locally sourced products, we understand the challenges suppliers face to get a product to market. Which is why BackIt is about more than just crowd funding, it’s a platform which provides advice and mentoring to help suppliers bring their ideas to life.
“By providing support for small suppliers, they can focus on what they do best –creating exciting new innovative products for customers.”
Businesses who sign up to BackIt are not obliged to list or work with Tesco after their campaign.