Drinks Buyer 2025

16 WAVEY ICE P icnics, parties, festivals... All serve upmoments to cherish, but finding a drinks format that is not only convenient but also satisfying for a range of palates used to be a challenge until Wavey Ice’s pouches of ready-made cocktails hit the scene. Launched in September 2022 as a follow-up to the brand’s alcoholic ice pops, the four-strong Sips line was instantly a hit withWavey Ice’s community of loyal followers –who have, since the brand’s inception, played a vital role in the growth and shaping of the business including ideas for newproducts. “We keep an ear to the ground when it comes to trends, but we’re most inspired by our community who share ideas on social media and email,” says Laura Davis, managing director. The range now consists of seven year-round products – Strawberry Daiquiri, EspressoMartini, Orange & Vodka, Tropical RumPunch and Pornstar Martini, plus two non- alcoholic options: award-winning Mango & PineappleMojito and Sex On The Beach – as well as some seasonal specials. The Northern Ireland-based business sources ingredients locally wherever possible, including NI-made spirits and coffee for its EspressoMartini froma local nitro cold brew coffee company, catering to the growing demand for provenance from its community present and future. This community is wider-ranging than youmight think, according to the brand’s extensive data gathered over three years of e-commerce. “People presume that we have the People presume that we have the standard RTD customer base of 25-34 year olds, but actually we’re very popular with older age groups as well! specialityfoodmagazine.com IntroducingWavey Ice: the drinks pouch that’s perfect for everymemorable moment COCKTAILS TO GO standard RTD customer base of 25-34 year olds, but actually we’re very popular with older age groups as well.” Laura, who co-runsWavey Ice with her sister, takes the brand’s role in society seriously. “In terms of sustainability, we are working towardsmaking all of our range 100% recyclable, and we also do what we can to keep our customers safe – our pouches are not onlymore convenient than cans, because you can carrymore at any given time and they are ready-to-drink and no-spill, but they are anti-spiking so people can feel safe when they’re out and about drinkingWavey Ice.