Brothers Drinks Co has acquired the iconic sparkling perry brand Babycham, following an agreement with the brand’s current owners, Accolade Wines.
The family-owned company said it plans to relaunch the brand in 2022, extending it to a new generation of consumers and sparkling drink fans.
Originally launched in 1953, Babycham was invented by Francis Showering, a member of the Showering family who helped start Brothers Drinks Co Ltd in Shepton Mallet in 1992.
The iconic brand quickly became a revolution in the drinks industry and a classic signature drink for many in the 1950s and the subsequent two decades. Accolade Wines acquired the Babycham brand when the Showerings company was bought out in the 1990s. It is widely considered one of the most successful drink launches of the 20th Century.
Brothers Drinks said the acquisition is part of the company’s strategy and future growth plans following exceptionally strong growth performance in 2021.
Commenting on the announcement, Matthew Showering, said: “We are proud to welcome the Babycham brand back into our drinks portfolio and are already receiving extremely positive feedback on the decision by many who consider it a ‘sleeping giant’ within the drinks industry. It’s a sentimental brand, not only for our family, but for families across the nation who associate Babycham with fond memories and celebratory milestones. We want to share the brand’s fun, sparkly and aspirational persona with new and familiar customers.”
To celebrate the acquisition, the company gave the Babycham statue, located in Shepton Mallet for the last 60 years, a complete refurbishment. Locals and visitors will be able to visit the statue at the forthcoming Christmas pop-up on 9-10 December located at the Showering family’s ancestral home, Kilver Court, which was also recently acquired by the company.
