Aussie beverage brand Nexba is making a major foray into the UK after signing a distribution deal with supermarket chain Sainsbury's.
The naturally sugar free beverage brand Nexba will available in over 500 Sainsbury’s large format supermarkets, with the can variant to follow in select smaller stores.
Nexba says its full range, including Naturally Sugar Free soft drinks, tonic waters and kombucha, will be available in the UK market within the coming year.
In Australia, Nexba is sold in Coles and Woolworths Australia, and last year the company grew its net revenue 156 per cent, and is forecasting similar growth in FY19 as it breaks through $10 million in gross sales.
The company, which was founded in 2010 by Drew Bilbe and Troy Douglas, recently raised $4.5 million to support its innovation efforts and to scale the business globally.
“The UK soft drink levy has already seen a rise in artificial substitutes as brands seek quick fixes to maintain ‘sweetness’,” Douglas said.
“We believe all brands and food and beverage categories that are high sugar should seek to have Naturally Sugar Free alternatives that don’t compromise on taste and do not use artificial ingredients.
The UK retailer says it was the company's financial success and commitment to healthier living appealed to Sainsbury’s Future Brands initiative, which works with innovative, small suppliers to make distinct products available to their consumers at scale.
“Nexba is a distinctive brand with an innovative, great-tasting product for our consumers who are concerned about their sugar intake. Nexba provides another step towards making Sainsbury’s a home for truly unique brands,” Sainsbury’s Head of Future Brands Rachel Eyre said.
