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Smart Soda launches UK operations, establishes joint venture
Rafaela Sousa

Rafaela Sousa

16 August 2022

Smart Soda launches UK operations, establishes joint venture

US-based healthy beverage brand, Smart Soda Holdings, has announced the launch of companies in the UK and Canada. Smart Soda offers dispensing options to various markets, such as the food service and workplace sectors. The brand is crafted with alkaline waters and has a wide range of flavours. The company has launched Smart Soda UK, which will operate as a solitary player overseas, and is aimed at customers seeking 'better-for-you' flavoured sparkling waters and sodas for offices and restaurants. Smart Soda CEO Lior Shafir said: “During the pandemic, when the US market was growing rapidly, we began to receive inquiries from companies in the UK, asking where they could buy Smart Soda. That’s when it came to my attention that there really wasn’t anything quite like Smart Soda in the UK and Europe marketplace. He continued: “Therefore, I reached out to Mark Butterfield and Ian Webb, co-founders of The UK Water Group...After a few meetings, we couldn’t remain indifferent to this exciting opportunity. We were totally united in agreement to start Smart Soda UK, a subsidiary of Smart Soda Holdings.” Butterfield added: “Having established a strong reputation in the drinking water industry, Shafir approached us knowing that we founded, built and sold The UK Water Group. His vision was to join forces and establish Smart Soda UK Ltd as part of a global expansion plan. We are thrilled to be building Smart Soda as it is a brilliant fit for both the UK and European markets.” Meanwhile, the company announced that it has finalised its acquisition of a 51% stake in Smart Soda Canada. Shafir commented: “As part of our pre-IPO expansion programme, we’re planning a few more M&A deals this year — both globally and locally. As part of our growth, Smart Soda welcomes Jean-Jacques ‘JJ’ Francoeur and Spencer Deschambault of Smart Soda Canada to our family. Our goal is that Smart Soda will be available everywhere, both to our US clients and also worldwide through our global offices.” In addition to entering the UK and Canadian markets, Smart Soda also hopes to establish two joint ventures in South America and the Middle East by the end of this year.

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