Every successful brand starts with an idea. For Alfresco Drinks, that idea began with a glass of elderflower fizz served in a hotel restaurant.
Today, Alfresco Drinks supplies more than six million units annually across the UK, Europe and international markets. Yet the principles that shaped the company in 1999 remain unchanged: natural ingredients, exceptional quality and a commitment to creating drinks that people genuinely enjoy.
Where It All Began
In 1999, Robin Sheppard was General Manager of the Alfresco Restaurant at the Bath Spa Hotel. While overseeing the restaurant, he noticed a gap in the market.
Premium dining experiences deserved premium soft drinks, but most available options failed to deliver the same quality and sophistication expected from fine wines or craft beverages.
Rather than compromise, Robin created his own.
The result was a sparkling elderflower drink made from natural ingredients, free from artificial additives and sweeteners. Originally intended for hotel guests, the drink quickly developed a loyal following. Customers regularly asked about it, revealing a wider demand for premium, naturally crafted soft drinks.
That simple recipe would become the foundation of Alfresco Drinks.
Seeing the Potential of Low and No Alcohol Before the Trend
Long before low and no alcohol became one of the fastest-growing sectors in the drinks industry, Alfresco recognised that consumers wanted something better.
Many brands focused on replicating alcoholic beverages without creating drinks that stood on their own merits. Alfresco took a different approach.
Instead of imitation, the company focused on flavour, balance and quality.
The philosophy was simple:
- Use natural ingredients.
- Avoid unnecessary additives.
- Create drinks people choose because they enjoy them.
More than 25 years later, that approach continues to shape every product the company develops.
Building a Business Around Quality
During its early years, Alfresco gradually expanded beyond the hospitality sector.
Independent retailers, delicatessens and foodservice operators embraced the products, appreciating the emphasis on quality and natural ingredients.
The business evolved steadily, but a major turning point came in 2018 when Julian Ebbutt joined as Director.
His arrival brought additional commercial expertise and helped position Alfresco as more than a drinks brand. The company increasingly became a full-service beverage manufacturing partner, supporting businesses with everything from formulation and product development to production, warehousing and distribution.
This flexibility and speed have become defining strengths.
In a market where trends evolve quickly, brands need partners who can move from concept to commercial launch efficiently. Alfresco has built a reputation for doing exactly that.
What Alfresco Drinks Produces Today
While the original elderflower drink remains part of the portfolio, the company now manufactures products across multiple categories.
These include:
- Natural sparkling soft drinks
- Low and alcohol-free beverages
- Botanical and functional drinks
- Bespoke formulations
- Private-label products
- Co-packed ranges for retail and foodservice brands
Whether supporting an established company or an emerging start-up, Alfresco focuses on delivering products that combine quality, consistency and innovation.
Delivering More Than Six Million Units
Scale often comes at the expense of craftsmanship, but Alfresco has maintained its founding principles while expanding internationally.
Today, the company supplies over six million units each year across:
- The UK
- Europe
- International markets
This growth has been achieved while maintaining strict quality standards throughout the supply chain.
All production partners operate with a minimum of BRC Grade A or equivalent IFS Food certification. Alfresco also maintains Sedex compliance and SALSA approval, demonstrating its commitment to food safety, ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency.
These standards provide reassurance to retailers, hospitality groups and brand owners alike.
A Collaborative Approach to Manufacturing
What differentiates Alfresco from many larger manufacturers is its approach to partnership.
Rather than forcing clients into standardised solutions, the company works collaboratively to bring ideas to life.
Support includes:
- Recipe development
- Flavour profiling
- Technical guidance
- Packaging advice
- Production management
- Warehousing
- Distribution and logistics
Some clients arrive with a fully developed recipe and packaging design. Others begin with little more than a concept.
Alfresco adapts to both.
This flexibility enables brands to move from initial idea to finished product with the support of an experienced team.
More Than Two Decades of Industry Experience
Over the last quarter of a century, the drinks industry has changed dramatically.
Consumer preferences have shifted toward:
- Lower sugar products
- Functional ingredients
- Natural formulations
- Sustainable packaging
- Low and no alcohol alternatives
Regulations have evolved, supply chains have become more complex and international markets have become increasingly competitive.
Having navigated these changes for more than 25 years, Alfresco brings valuable experience to every project.
Clients benefit not only from manufacturing capability but also from practical insight developed through decades of industry knowledge.
Looking Ahead
Consumer demand continues to evolve, creating opportunities for brands willing to innovate.
Natural ingredients, functional benefits and sustainable packaging are shaping the future of beverages, and Alfresco is already developing products and partnerships that reflect these trends.
Although much has changed since that first elderflower drink served at the Bath Spa Hotel, one thing remains constant.
The commitment to doing things properly.
From one recipe to more than six million units, Alfresco Drinks has grown by staying true to the values that inspired its creation.
Ready to Create Your Next Beverage?
Whether you have a fully developed concept or just the beginnings of an idea, Alfresco Drinks offers end-to-end support to help bring your product to market.
Contact the team today to discuss your next beverage project.
