- Business
- Nichols plc produces and distributes soft drinks worldwide, primarily through its iconic Vimto brand alongside licensed brands including SLUSH PUPPiE, Starslush, ICEE, Levi Roots, and Sunkist; its core offerings encompass squashes, carbonates, still drinks, flavored waters, energy drinks, and functional beverages such as Wonderfuel fortified with vitamins B, C, D, zinc, and iron, supplied via packaged routes to retail, wholesale, and grocery channels in the UK, Africa, Middle East, and over 70 countries, and through out-of-home channels to cinemas, theme parks, pubs, restaurants, and leisure venues. Founded in 1908 and headquartered in Newton-le-Willows, UK, the company operates diversified segments including UK Packaged, International Packaged, and Out of Home, targeting consumers in still and carbonated categories with a focus on innovation, distribution expansion, and higher-margin concentrate models in key markets. Recent developments include the March 2025 launch of Wonderfuel with a major TV advertising campaign and Grocer New Product shortlisting, ongoing transition to a concentrate production model in West Africa including local manufacture in Senegal, geographic expansion into Malaysia with nationwide Vimto listings across major retailers, successful rollout of a new SAP ERP system as part of its business transformation program, planned exit from the Starslush brand to simplify Out of Home operations, and progression toward medium-term growth ambitions outlined at its November 2024 Capital Markets Day, with FY25 adjusted profit before tax expected in line with market consensus of GBP33.1m.