In-Drinks Catalyst, a ‘business accelerator’ competition which assists emerging drinks companies in their start-up journey, has launched its third year and is now open for entries.
The competition is an opportunity for new UK-produced alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks brands to receive business advice, publicity and networking.
It is a feature of the In-Drinks Glasgow trade show, described as ‘the largest independent trade show for the drinks sector north of Manchester’, which is scheduled to take place from Wednesday 5 to Thursday 6 March 2025 at SEC Glasgow.
Eligible drinks businesses which have been trading for three years or less are encouraged to compete for the top prize of a year’s worth of business mentoring, networking opportunities and introductions within the drinks sector, all aimed at fuelling their business growth.
The competition’s judging panel will select 10 finalists across a range of drinks categories to receive free exhibition space at In-Drinks Glasgow 2025. Two overall winners will then be selected at the show following their presentation to judges at the event.
Last year’s In-Drinks Catalyst winner in the alcohol category was Lonkero, a long gin drink, served as a pre-made draft or canned product, which has since been ‘a huge success’ in bars and at festivals across the country.
Founder of Lonkero, Joe Harris, said: “Being part of In-Drinks Catalyst gave us the best possible start when we launched Lonkero. Not only did we receive orders directly as a result of exhibiting, but we met buyers and connected with people at the show who have helped shape our success and who we continue to work with today.
“We are now in 33 outlets across the UK and are selling well beyond our target numbers. In-Drinks is a fantastic platform for any drinks producer, and we are looking forward to returning to Glasgow in 2025.”
In-Drinks Glasgow 2025 is being chaired by Paul Crawford, founder of Panther M*lk, which won the first ever In-Drinks Catalyst competition in 2023.
Crawford said: “Winning the In-Drinks Catalyst Competition for UK Start-Up Drinks Company of the Year 2023 (Alcohol) gave us industry credibility and access to expert advice, directly resulting in investment for Panther M*lk.
“It is a fantastic competition that not only provides access to drinks experts but also puts you in front of potential new customers. I recommend entering if you want to take your drinks business to the next level.”
Entrants have until Monday 20 January 2025 to submit a short, written entry online and sample product for the judging panel to assess.
In-Drinks Catalyst is sponsored by accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael, Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP, creative agency Contagious, In-Drinks Glasgow and KDMedia.
