Purity Soft Drinks has appointed David Collard as its new chairman, effective immediately.
Collard brings extensive leadership experience in the food manufacturing sector, having most recently served as CEO and chair of The Bart Ingredients Company. His impressive track record includes driving strategic growth, leading acquisitions, and expanding retail presence across major UK grocers.
He succeeds Rooney Anand, who departs Purity Soft Drinks after 13 years of service.
Recently, the business has faced significant inflation within the community, largely due to harsh orange harvests in Brazil and Florida, compounded by the escalating effects of conflict in Europe and the Middle East.
In response to these challenges, the manufacturer has adjusted its pricing strategy, leading to higher selling prices and, in some instances, reduced product sizes.
These market-driven changes have impacted demand, resulting in a decline in turnover from £29.9 million in FY 2024 to £27 million in FY 2025. Profit after tax also experienced a drop, falling from £4,000 to £2,600.
Operating profit (before exceptionals) for the period stood at £3.3 million, compared to £5.6 million in 2024. This decline was attributed to reduced sales paired with additional, unrecaptured commodity inflation.
Despite the decline in demand, directors expressed satisfaction with the performance indicated in the latest Companies House filings.
Commenting on his departure, Anand stated: “It has been a privilege to be chairman of Purity and for such an extended period of time; guiding the business and supporting the team as it has grown and developed over the years. It’s now time for me to step aside and I wish Jonathan, David and the wider Purity team all the success for the future.”
“I am delighted to be joining Purity Soft Drinks,” Collard expressed. “The business has a strong heritage, a dynamic team, and a clear ambition for growth. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team, including CEO Jonathan Duffin, and the team at Purity’s majority shareholders Verdane, to help shape the next phase of development.”
Founded in 1892, Purity Soft Drinks is among the oldest companies in the UK. Initially delivering soft drinks via horse-drawn drays in Wednesbury, West Midlands, it continues to operate from the same location today. The company was acquired by equity investment firm Verdane in 2021.