Mallows Beverages, a Tonyrefail-based premium beverage company, has built a reputation for quality and innovation in the competitive food and drink sector. The company has scaled rapidly, earning industry recognition and expanding its global reach. Behind this success lies a strategic partnership with the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (BWAGP), which provides tailored support in financial planning, international market expansion, and operational strategy.
Here, co-founder Andy Mallows shares the company's story and explains the BWAGP's role in its success.
Tell us about Mallows Beverages.
I founded Mallows Beverages with my son Rhys. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, innovative beverages while emphasising sustainability. We specialise in crafting premium drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, tailored to modern consumer preferences.
Our business model centres on supplying major retailers, hospitality venues and export markets. What began as a small operation has rapidly evolved into a significant player in the sector. We take pride in being the largest contract bottler for spirits in Wales and recently achieved our first £1 million sales week.
Our capacity to adapt to market trends, maintain quality and innovate has been central to our growth.
How has BWAGP helped Mallows Beverages achieve its goals?
The BWAGP has been a game-changer for us. They helped us secure funding to invest in new technology and streamline our production processes, which was critical as we scaled.
The demand we’ve created means we had to grow our team by 233% last year, a level of growth that comes with challenges. BWAGP’s expert advice on workforce management has been invaluable in ensuring we onboard talent effectively and maintain a cohesive company culture amidst rapid growth.
Their sustainability experts have ensured our growth aligns with our environmental goals. The guidance we’ve received has been invaluable in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. I’d recommend the programme to any ambitious business seeking to grow.
What challenges did Mallows Beverages face during your scaling journey?
Scaling at the pace we have comes with its challenges. Balancing rapid growth with maintaining quality was a significant hurdle. For example, achieving 1 million units bottled in a week was a major operational feat, but it required precise planning and investment in high-speed production solutions.
BWAGP supported us in this transition, helping us identify the right investments and optimise our production processes without compromising quality or sustainability.
In 2024, the Development Bank of Wales, through the Wales Flexible Investment Fund, invested seven figures to help us increase capacity, create job opportunities, and purchase new machinery.
What are some of your proudest moments as a business?
2024 was a landmark year for us. Achieving our first £1 million sales week and bottling 1 million units in just seven days were major milestones.
Diversifying our portfolio with over 200 new products and expanding into three new export markets are proud moments. All these achievements reflect the dedication of our team and the support of BWAGP.
What sets Mallows Beverages apart in the food and drink sector?
Our commitment to innovation and sustainability truly differentiates us. We’ve invested heavily in reducing our environmental footprint by introducing energy-efficient production methods.
At the same time, we’ve focused on developing products that meet changing consumer demands, such as low-sugar and vegan-friendly options.
What role does sustainability play in your growth strategy?
Sustainability is central to everything we do and influences every decision we make. In 2024, we took significant steps to upgrade our facilities, focusing on reducing waste, energy consumption, and our overall environmental impact. These upgrades included implementing energy-efficient production systems to minimise resource usage.
BWAGP’s sustainability experts were crucial in guiding these improvements, ensuring they aligned with our long-term environmental goals and improved our operational efficiency. For us, sustainability isn’t just a question of meeting targets. We want to create a positive legacy for the future.
What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
- Be confident and go with your dreams and vision
- Plan, prepare and develop your business story and investor packs
- Enter for awards, even if you think you aren’t going to win - they can be a great way to gain recognition and boost your profile
Click here to learn more about the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme.
Click here to learn more about Mallows Beverages.