By Karen Peattie

SOFT drinks company Bon Accord has launched its bestselling Rhubarb Soda and Ginger Beer in Scotmid stores across Scotland as part of the convenience retailer’s Christmas range.

Scotmid will be selling the venerable Edinburgh-based firm’s products in both 750ml “sharing” bottles – a nod to the days when its drinks were sold in large glass bottle formats – and new four-bottle multipacks over the festive period.

Bon Accord, one of the main soft drinks suppliers to the new Bonnie & Wild Scottish Marketplace at St James Quarter in the capital, said that its products tap into the growing market for premium soft drinks geared towards health-conscious consumers who are looking for alcohol-free alternatives and quality products that don’t contain lots of added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Karen Knowles, the firm’s co-founder, said: “People are becoming more conscious about what they are consuming and this has been an opportunity to expand our offering. We are delighted to offer our customers better quality soft drinks that feel special and are a credible alternative to sugar laden drinks and alcoholic beverages.”

Bon Accord’s history dates back to 1903 with the business refreshed in 2016 with a “new approach to pop”. The range of plant-based sodas and mixers is now fully vegan and 100 per cent naturally sweetened with coconut nectar and real fruit juice. Ms Knowles noted that Bon Accord is the only soft drinks company to use this natural way of sweetening its products.

The company said it has had a successful year despite the closure of the hospitality industry during the pandemic and had taken on additional staff, including a brand manager.

It also gained listings in Aldi in January as part of the retailer’s Burns celebrations and in September during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight.