Kingsland Drinks Group has secured a £65m funding package from Barclays, supported by advisory firm RSM UK, as the Manchester-based manufacturer looks to accelerate its next phase of growth.
The employee-owned business, headquartered in Irlam, Greater Manchester, will use the funding to support long-term investment and expansion under the leadership of Sarah Baldwin, who joined the company as Managing Director in 2025.
Kingsland Drinks has built a strong reputation as an independent drinks partner, offering contract bottling and canning, product development, and sourcing and procurement services to major UK retailers and drinks brands. With roots dating back to 1955, the company now employs around 400 people and operates a diverse manufacturing and co-packing business spanning wines, spirits and low- and no-alcohol products.
In recent years, the group has expanded beyond its traditional wine base, strengthening its spirits portfolio and tapping into growing consumer demand for alcohol-free alternatives—positioning itself as a flexible, insights-led manufacturing partner in a changing market.
The new funding follows Kingsland’s transition to employee ownership in 2021 and is expected to unlock further opportunities for investment across its operations.
“The past few years have seen some challenging times for the drinks industry and for Kingsland. We’re now moving into a phase of evolving the core business and securing long-term development opportunities. This funding will help secure an exciting future for the business as a pioneering force in the drinks industry, built on strong community roots where our people, heritage and quality continue to set us apart.”
– Sarah Baldwin, Managing Director, Kingsland Drinks Group.
Ashley Suter, who led the advisory team at RSM UK, said the funding package would support Kingsland’s continued growth and innovation, highlighting the company’s strong national reputation in the drinks sector.
Meanwhile, Fiona Parkes at Barclays said the £65m asset-based lending facility would provide greater working capital flexibility as the business enters its next phase of development, adding that the bank looks forward to supporting Kingsland’s ongoing growth.
The investment underlines Kingsland Drinks’ ambitions to scale its manufacturing capabilities and broaden its offering, as it continues to evolve in response to shifting consumer trends and market demands.
For more articles like this, visit our Leadership channel
