A new business set up by two former Norfolk school pupils is hoping to break into the soft-drinks market, with a range of all-natural flavoured tonic waters.
Established by Jordan Palmer and Matt Mahatme, Lixir Tonic is a new start-up looking to make a splash in the world of tonic water.
Traditionally the accompaniment to gin, tonic water has historically played second fiddle to the spirit.
But with their naturally flavoured range of tonic waters, the two former Thetford Grammar School pupils – who are now both bartenders in Nottingham – are hoping to change this.
Spotting a gap in the market for a range of all-natural flavoured tonic waters, the pair have created a range they say can be enjoyed with spirits or as a drink in their own right.
Premium mixers have been a growing product category in recent years, led by Fever-Tree, which has seen its share price rise more than 1,000% since launching on the stock market in late 2014.
Now, after several months of recipe development the pair are looking to crowd-fund £14,250 to get their business off the ground.
Mr Palmer explained the work that had gone into recipe development. 'It took a while but it was really important that the product was all natural and in line with industry standards,' he said.
'One of the things we wanted to make sure that the tonics were really versatile.'
The pair, both 24 years old, are keen that their range of tonics can be enjoyed by those looking for a sophisticated non-alcoholic drink.
'There's not really that many soft drinks available, a lot of the time the most sophisticated drink you can get is a pint of coke, so that has been really important to us,' said Mr Palmer.
With more than £6,000 already pledged towards their total the pair are confident they will reach their fundraising goal.
The pair now have until Sunday April, 8 to reach their crowd-funding goal. See https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/lixirtonic/
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