Just the tonic for Manx drinks brand

Isle of Man-based producer Roots Beverage Co has launched a range of tonic waters to the UK market in addition to gaining its first distribution deal.

Sweetened using organic honey, the three tonics in the unique range are: Worker Bee Tonic Water, Queen Bee Tonic Water and Rhu-Bee Tonic Water, the latter taking its natural colour and flavourings from rhubarb. They are available in both 200ml and 500ml bottle sizes.

The company has completed its first distribution deal with Bottling UK, based in Tottenham, to begin large volume production of the tonic waters and allow for UK-wide stock distribution.

It’s a unique proposition, because as well as wanting to introduce a natural, healthier range of soft drinks and mixers, we also want the business to give back. We reinvest 10% of all profits into bee-related projects to ensure the bee population continues to thrive

Commenting on the move, brand founder Jamie Blair (pictured) says: “I wanted to make a brilliant product that made a difference; to people’s health, to the future of bees and to our planet. Securing a bottling and distribution partner marks a significant milestone for the company and means we can now make positive steps forward with the Roots brand, introducing new suppliers and stockists to our first range. It’s a unique proposition, because as well as wanting to introduce a natural, healthier range of soft drinks and mixers, we also want the business to give back. We reinvest 10% of all profits into bee-related projects to ensure the bee population continues to thrive.”

Roots Beverage Co was founded by Blair in 2016, the year in which he completed a beekeepers’ course and started his first hive. After experimenting with home brewing using honey from the hives on the island as a natural sweetener to create a healthier version of Ginger Beer, he went on to produce Honey Bee Lemonade too.