Brothers Drinks acquire sparkling perry brand Babycham

Brothers Drinks Co has acquired the sparkling perry brand, Babycham, following an agreement with former owners Accolade Wines.

The family-owned company plans to reinvigorate the brand and to relaunch it in 2022 to attract a new generation of consumers and sparkling drink fans.

Babycham was originally launched across the UK in 1953, invented by Francis Showering. The brand became a classic signature drink for many in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. The Showering family helped start Brothers Drinks Co in Shepton Mallet in 1992.

The acquisition was part of Brothers Drinks Co's strategy and future growth plans following strong growth in 2021. The company was ranked 12th in the Alantra Food & Beverage Fast 50 in 2021, a report outlining the UK's fastest growing privately owned food and drink companies, which recognised Brothers Drinks' revenue growth of 29% over the past two years.

Founder Matthew Showering said: "We are proud to welcome the Babycham brand back into our drinks portfolio and are already receiving extremely positive feedback on the decision by many who consider it a ‘sleeping giant' within the drinks industry. It's a sentimental brand, not only for our family, but for families across the nation who associate Babycham with fond memories and celebratory milestones. We want to share the brand's fun, sparkly and aspirational persona with new and familiar customers."

Babycham will join the Brothers Drinks Co portfolio, which, as well as its own brands, also produces cider, beer, spirits and soft drinks for third party brand owners. To celebrate the acquisition, the company gave the Babycham statue, located in Shepton Mallet for the last 60 years, a refurbishment. Visitors will be able to visit the statue at the forthcoming Christmas pop-up at the Showering family's ancestral home, Kilver Court, on 9-10 December.