A thirst for sugar-free fruit drinks has seen Asda sign a £260,000 deal to expand its range of “macb” flavoured water available in its stores.
The Macduff-based macb, owned by international drinks giant Cott Corporation, said the retailer will stock its newly extended range of still and sparkling water across all 59 stores in Scotland.
The deal with Walmart-owned Asda comes as a result of successful sales in 2013, the drinks maker said.
The brand employs 50 people at its Aberdeenshire site. It was rescued in a buyout by Cott after its owner, Sangs, fell into administration in 2012.
Lynsey Graham, macb regional development manager, said: “The demand for locally-sourced, natural and sugar-free products is at an all-time high, and with the macb brand going from strength to strength we felt it was the perfect time to extend the range of refreshing flavours available in both still and sparkling water.
“The four new flavours prove that sugar-free drinks don’t have to taste bland or boring and we’re confident they will be well received by customers looking to add a bit of flavour to their day.”
Lisa Prudhoe, Asda’s customer planner for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “As part of our Scottish strategy, we place huge importance on supporting local suppliers in growing their business, no matter how big or small.
“Macb is an example of how Asda is able to support the businesses of local Scottish producers. Their new flavoured waters are premium quality and will give customers a new range of flavours that will have them thirsty for more.”
Yesterday Asda confirmed plans to build several stores and create 12,000 jobs across the UK when Prime Minister David Cameron visited one of its stores in London.
Mr Cameron met with Doug McMillon, president and chief executive of the US retail giant Walmart, at a store in Clapham Junction.
Mr McMillon said: “It has been a pleasure to meet with the prime minister and reaffirm Walmart’s commitment to investing in the UK.
“We know that the UK is a great place to do business and since Walmart acquired Asda 15 years ago we have been able to invest £8billion in the UK economy – creating over 100,000 jobs, opening 342 new Asda stores and bringing lower prices to millions of customers.”