Lancashire based Calyx Drinks are toasting their own success with their first major retail listing in John Lewis and Partners Foodhall. The products launched in the Oxford Street Store in June 2019, with aims to extend this to other stores in the coming months.
Where it all began
Owner of Calyx Drinks, Raphael Ogunrinde has re-created a Nigerian inspired flower drink for the UK. Inspired on New Year’s Eve 2014 when there was a lack of choice of soft drinks, Raphael went on to work closely with Chester University food development team to progress “Wild”; an apple and hibiscus flavoured drink. Four years on and production is now in Calyx’s owned SALSA approved craft brewery in Burnley. The range is made by blending dried flowers with fruit and spices to create unique drinks that taste great and are good for you. The drinks are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B and C along with phytonutrients – natural chemicals that help prevent disease and keep the body working properly. They can be enjoyed cold, hot or as a mixer with alcohol.
Raphael was keen to grow the brand and increase distribution so approached Wynne Business to support him in his quest for high street stores to sell his products.
The partnership
Over the last 9 months, the range of products has increased as has the interest in the brand. Suzi Wynne, Managing Director at Wynne Business, has succeeded in driving the business forward from a sales and marketing perspective enabling key buyer meetings and working closely with Raphael to deliver the John Lewis listing.
He is delighted with the results Suzi has delivered for Calyx drinks; ”To see it come together and to see it doing well is really fantastic.”
The June launch of the 3 products is a really exciting time and Wynne Business will be supporting the event at the in-store tasting sessions with Raphael and his team. Alongside this, social media and marketing campaigns have been implemented and even recipe cards created.
Suzi is excited about the launch of Calyx on the high street; ”As a new brand it’s a great stepping stone to launch into John Lewis where there is a customer base who engage with new brands and love trying new foods and drinks.”
Calyx Blush, Wild and Zobo launched in June 2019 in the John Lewis and Partners Foodhall, Oxford Street. Initial feedback has been incredible with a repeat order placed only 3 days after launch. More information on the products can be found on the Calyx website calyxdrinks.co.uk.
If you have a product, why not talk to us about how we can support you in securing business with UK retailers – just send an email to hello@wynnebusiness.co.uk and we will be in touch.
