The addition of Skinny Lager, Skinny IPA, and Skinny Fruit Cider into the Global Brands portfolio is set to take effect immediately.
Based in Chesterfield, the manufacturer is already known for producing a range of popular alcoholic beverages and mixers, such as VK, Hooch, Corky’s, as well as Franklin & Sons tonic water, Gather Cocktails, and Take Tequila.
Launched in 2015 by entrepreneurs Tom Bell and Gary Conway, Skinny Brands was established to provide consumers with more “better-for-you” options in the alcohol market.
Now, a decade later, its offerings are available at major retailers including Tesco, Morrisons, and B&M Bargains.
As consumer preferences shift toward healthier choices, Skinny Brands has experienced notable success.
“I have long admired Skinny Brands – the shift towards low-calorie, gluten-free options is something we have been actively monitoring for some time at Global Brands, and the team has done an impressive job of building a brand in what is a highly competitive and fast-evolving category,” stated Steve Perez, CEO of Global Brands.
“We are consistently exploring ways to enhance our brand portfolio for our clients, and this acquisition represents another significant step forward in that effort. Skinny Brands has established a strong presence in the ‘better-for-you’ drinks sector, aligning well with our business and our customer base.”
He added, “With Global Brands’ extensive reach, this acquisition enables us to support Skinny Brands robustly – from distribution and logistics to our well-established customer network – promoting its growth in new markets while providing access to a broader, more relevant lineup in a rapidly expanding category.”
“Our ultimate goal is to elevate Skinny Brands from a strong challenger to a recognized mainstream player, both in the UK and beyond.”
Global Brands notes that around 41% of UK adults consider calorie content, with 26% actively seeking lower-calorie items. This shift in consumer behavior has led to over 17% growth in sales of lower-calorie beers in 2024.
This latest acquisition follows Global Brands’ earlier purchases of Hooch, Hooper’s, and Reef in 2023, underscoring its ongoing growth strategy focused on diversifying its product offerings in response to evolving consumer demand.
