The Belfast-based Cocktail Keg Company (CKC), renowned for producing the world’s only freshly batched cocktails, has successfully secured £1.2 million in funding. This investment, sourced from the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland (IFNI), managed by Clarendon Fund Managers, as well as a group of local private investors, is poised to facilitate the company’s growth. CKC stands as a pioneer in cocktail innovation, crafting premium cocktails using local ingredients that can be effortlessly served by untrained bar staff. Operating from its premises in East Belfast, the company distributes its offerings across the off-trade, on-trade, and events sectors throughout the UK and Ireland.
This funding round comprises £500,000 from IFNI along with contributions from several local private investors, including Trevor Annon, the founder of the catering and facilities management leader, Mount Charles. Recently, CKC secured a new three-year distribution agreement in Great Britain with Enotria & Coe. The newly acquired investment will empower CKC to enhance its market presence in the UK and Ireland, while also exploring opportunities in Europe and the Middle East.
Founded in 2017 by experienced industry professionals Paul “Burnszy” Burns and Anthony “Soda” Farrell, CKC initially offered a selection of high-quality pre-made cocktails intended for delivery directly from bottle to pub patrons. However, the company pivoted to successfully engage with retail and online sales channels.
CKC actively collaborates with renowned global and local beverage brands, with a strong commitment to flavor and the use of premium ingredients. Furthermore, their innovative approach includes the development of a novel citrus product, eliminating the need for customers to import limes and lemons, thereby significantly reducing their carbon footprints.
In the wake of this investment, the founders are planning to expand their current team of 11, with the creation of at least six new jobs anticipated over the next six months.
Commenting on the investment, Soda stated, “We have over 20 years’ experience creating cocktail menus in bars across the world, and we formed CKC with the ambition of creating innovative serves that not only taste great but are also as sustainable as we can make them.”
He further emphasized, “When we started, it was almost impossible to get a quality cocktail in a lot of bars, let alone at a big event or airport. We believe we have created a truly unique, premium product, and we’re really delighted to have our new investors on board to embark on the next phase of the journey with us.”
Burnszy added, “We always say that perfecting the art of mixology takes years, huge amounts of skill and a fair bit of theatre. We’ve done all the hard work and put that in a bottle, so all our customers have to do is shake, garnish, and serve.”
“CKC has already built a great reputation in the drinks trade, and this investment will provide a springboard for growth into new markets, allowing even more customers to experience our cocktails,” he continued.
Clarendon Fund Managers led the investment deal with the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland, which encompasses a £70 million fund managed by the British Business Bank.
Stuart Gaffikin from Clarendon Fund Managers remarked, “CKC is a fantastic example of a truly innovative company based in Northern Ireland, which has created an outstanding product that is already reaching national and international customers. We look forward to collaborating with Burnzsy and Soda as they elevate the business to new heights.”
Mark Sterritt, Director of Nations and Regions Investment Funds at the British Business Bank, said, “CKC possesses all the ingredients to become a remarkable local success story. Soda, Burnzsy, and their team have developed unique, premium products that effectively address a market gap.”
He further commented, “Their current success suggests that this is just the beginning for CKC. It is gratifying to see the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland supporting them at this crucial development stage.”
“I’m pleased to see the fund being utilized to help distinctive businesses thrive, and I encourage other companies to connect with our fund managers to explore how they can facilitate growth as well,” he concluded.
CKC strongly advocates for the local provenance of its ingredients, ensuring that no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are used. For every bottle sold online, the company pledges to plant a tree and is on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025.st.
