Nix & Kix

Nusa Caña Rum (NCR) produces a white rum, a spiced rum, and a range of ready-to-drink cocktails that reflect the spirit of Bali, Indonesia where the brand was conceived. NCR asserts that it has sold over 34,000 4.2-litre cases since its inception and aims to be a contender in the rum market that is forecast to be worth £1.2 billion by 2025. NCR has partnered with award-winning distributor Kingsland Drinks. The company has also partnered with specialist distributors to maximise its reach to target customers, including notable names such as Coles and Woolworths in Australia, Marriott Group in South East Asia, and Amazon and Master of Malt in Europe. It won two gold medals at the 2020 Spirits Business Rum and Cachaça Masters respectively. NCR will use the investment to support its existing business and increase its presence in the UK and EU.

Horse Guards Gin (HGG) aims to revive heritage spirit brands and re-introduce them to modern consumers. The company owns eight heritage trademarks including its latest brands 'Pink Gin' and 'Wing Walker Rum.' HGG intends to become a contender in the Gin and Rum markets that are forecast to grow to $17.36 billion and $21.5 billion by 2025. The company aims to launch two new premium spirits in 2021 and is in early talks around licensing to spirits businesses, including 'Ready To Drink' cocktails. HGG sold 9,000 bottles in 2020 and onboarded distributors who have access to more than 500 outlets. The company is in discussions to sign up distributor agents in Canada, South Africa, and the Middle East. The company's celebrity ambassadors include cricketing legend, Phil Tufnell. It will use the investment to accelerate new brand launches, grow its sales/marketing team, and build strategic alliances to extend brand reach.

White Peak Distillery (WPD) is a whisky distillery that aims to change the way whisky is made and create authentic flavours. It has so far invested £1.4 million in tried and tested plant equipment producing 400,000 bottles of maturing whisky. The company aims to become a contender in the $60 billion global premium whisky market. WPD has received 'Gold Awards' from The Wizards of Whisky World Whisky Awards. It has come out with programs to monetise its maturing whisky including its Cask Sales program, Temperance Club membership and its Prologue 2.1 release 2-year aged single malt spirit, that has been received with positive feedback. WPD has also been awarded visitor business in The Peak District, which receives 13 million+ visitors per annum, boosting its Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) model. It will use the investment to grow its business across different verticals.

Fightback is a beer and cider brand on a mission to save music venues with support from across the live music industry. The company claims that every pint sold contributes to Music Venue Trust (MVT), a UK-registered charity, which acts to protect, secure, and improve Grassroots Music Venues. It argues that it has sold 10,000 pints and 10,000 cans in 61 venues before the COVID-19 lockdown. Fightback asserts that it has agreed on a new national distribution deal to make the brand more accessible amidst the lockdown. It intends to supply 900+ venues affiliated with MVT when venues reopen. Fightback will use the investment to roll out beer and cider to help secure the long-term future of the venues that ensure that the music culture is kept alive.