Hospitality experts launch Trust Water to support drinks industry workers

A charity that helps support those working in the drinks industry by providing care and support for colleagues due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been launched.

The Drinks Trust has been launched by hospitality experts Mark Bickerton and Richard Bailey where 100% of net profits from every bottle sold of Trust Water is donated to the cause.

Both still and sparkling variants of British spring water from the Herefordshire countryside will be offered in a range of Trust Water bottles, from glass and recycled PET, to lightweight refillable aluminium.

“People who work in the drinks industry are a resilient bunch” commented Mark Bickerton. “but the sector has been hit badly by COVID-19 and we are only just starting to see how seriously this is affecting the lives of our colleagues.

"The Drinks Trust is always there for the industry and has provided support, care and assistance since 1886 and it is our ambition for Trust Water to make a difference to their work with those who need it most.

"By making a simple brand choice for Trust Water, the hospitality sector can help support its own people and help us reach our goal of raising £500,000 for The Drinks Trust in the first year.”

Trust Water is available in a range of bottles including 330ml and 500ml recycled PET, 330ml and 750ml glass and an environmentally friendly, lightweight aluminium bottle that is ideal for refilling.

The label design, created by specialist drinks design agency Barlow & Co, features a ripple effect which reflects the brand ambition to create positive ripples that turn into a wave of support for workers in the drinks industry from within its own community.

Further information about Trust Water and order details available from trust-water.co.uk.

The Drinks Trust CEO, Ross Carter added: “We are excited by the new brand that Richard and Mark have created which heralds a new approach of supporting the industry from within.

"With 100% of the profits being donated to The Drinks Trust, the number of lives that we can touch will be significantly increased and I hope that everyone in the industry will get behind Trust Water in a show of strength and unity.

"The hospitality sector continues to struggle in these extraordinary times and support from projects such as this will help our work immensely as more people turn to us needing support or assistance.”

Mark Bickerton continued: “Richard and I have worked in the drinks and hospitality sector for over 25 years and are delighted to partner with The Drinks Trust on this exciting product range.

"We are very proud that Trust Water truly gives back to the people who need it most and look forward to speaking to our industry colleagues who are able to support our objectives and contribute to that ripple effect.”

The Trust Water range is ideal for stocking within hospitality venues, making available for off-trade sales or for personal consumption by drinks sector staff, their family and friends.

The Drinks Trust has recently announced an ‘End of Furlough Grant’ to support colleagues in the industry who have been made redundant and are facing financial hardship.

For further information about the grant and other support available from The Drinks Trust, email support@drinkstrust.org.uk or call 0800 915 4610.