Boost Drinks secures distribution rights for soft drink Rio

Boost Drinks has entered into an exclusive agreement with Hall & Woodhouse for the sales, marketing and distribution of the soft drinks brand Rio.

Launched in the 1990s by Hall & Woodhouse, a Dorset based family business that brews Badger Ales and runs an estate of 180 pubs in the south of England, Rio has grown to become a top 10 fruit carbonates soft drink brand in the UK, supplying over 1 million hectoliters.

The brand has seen a 14 per cent year-on-year sales increase in December 2020.

Boost Drinks will take on full responsibility for sales, marketing and distribution of the Rio from 1 February.

“Working with Hall & Woodhouse, Rio has been on our agenda for some time, not only as a brand with a strong consumer and trade proposition but as a brand with fantastic synergies with Boost,” commented Simon Gray, founder and chief executive of Boost Drinks.

“Manufacturing strategy, customer base and a passion for the independent convenience channel make for a natural fit. In a changing world, we believe this progressive partnership will enable us to thrive as we work in close collaboration.”

Established in 2001, Boost Drinks, which exclusively serves the independent convenience channel, is a significant player within the UK sports and energy drink market. The brand is now the third biggest in energy stimulation, second biggest brand in sport and already the third fastest selling iced coffee drink since its 2020 launch.

“There has been a meeting of minds between Boost Drinks and Hall & Woodhouse from day one and we’re delighted to have found a partner which not only holds the same values as we do, but also sees a bright future for the Rio brand,” Matt Kearsey, managing director at Hall & Woodhouse said.

“Rio is a brand that consumers love and as the soft drinks market develops, we believe there are significant opportunities for it to grow and evolve.”