In association with the Catering Managers Association of Great Britain and the Channel Islands

Aimia Foods has acquired Spring Cool Soft Drinks from Norbev, the Northern Ireland-based soft drinks, packaged water and juice producer. The Spring Cool Soft Drinks business with a £3 million turnover sells products into schools such as Spring Cool Irish Spring Water, Spring Clear 105, and Spring Cool X-ite - all of which will be integrated into Aimia Foods’ portfolio with immediate effect.

The new venture builds on an already successful year for Aimia Foods, which has seen the development of its own new products for the foodservice and education sectors. Aimia’s full range of drinks, including other exciting new school compliant products, was recently launched at LACA – the Local Authority Caterer’s Association Conference – in July 2009, and then rolled out to customers nationwide.

Glenn Hudson, sales and marketing director at Aimia Foods, says: “Spring Cool is a well recognised brand and a major supplier to the UK education market. Its brands are aligned with our business and complement Aimia’s growing portfolio.

“The school compliant, healthy soft drinks in the Spring Cool range offer local authorities and schools quality products, with excellent value for money. The range already has excellent distribution and we believe this will open up new opportunities for Aimia and our other products.

“Norbev’s company values are synonymous with Aimia’s. We’re both independently owned businesses which are well established and respected within the industry. As we begin this new venture, we’ll be looking at implementing even further NPD (new product development) in soft drinks in conjunction with Norbev and introducing new product formats for our Cash & Carry, Vending and Retail customers; it’s an exciting time,” concludes Glenn.

Aimia, the independent supplier of hot and cold drinks, is based in Haydock, Merseyside, and has a turnover of £55 million.
For further information about Aimia Foods, please visit www.aimiafoods.com.