PRISM eLogistics and The First Round have collaborated on a new drinks development service designed to help businesses bring new products to market faster and more efficiently.
The service encompasses drink-feasibility assessments, bespoke beverage formulation, compliance support, ingredient sourcing, packaging procurement, pilot production, contract packing, fulfilment and distribution, all delivered through a single UK partner.
While many product-development providers focus solely on formulation or manufacturing, Prism claimed that its turnkey solution offers an ‘end-to-end’ route from initial idea to retail shelf.
A key feature is the ability to support small-scale pilot runs from just 150 litres.
Pilot production is supplied by The First Round, which uses ‘top-spec’ equipment and processes to achieve the same standards as high-volume manufacturers but at a much smaller scale. The test facility, based at Prism’s Basingstoke site, aims to bridge the gap between the development lab and the factory.
Eoghan Macilwraith, business development manager at Prism eLogistics, said, “Developing and launching a new drink can be an incredibly complex process. Whether it’s a start-up business or an established brand bringing a new beverage to market, coordinating multiple suppliers across formulation, compliance, manufacturing, packaging and logistics is both costly and complicated. By bringing the entire process under one roof, Prism is offering straightforward access to the expertise, capabilities and industry connections they need to take a drink from concept to commercial reality.”
Sam Hyde-Hart, founder of The First Round, added, “By offering small-scale runs, The First Round allows for cost-effective testing pre-launch, essentially operating as a factory ‘flight simulator’. Working as part of Prism’s drinks development service, we provide the opportunity to test and refine elements like blend stabilisation, carbonation, pasteurization and shelf-life before investing in larger volume production, potentially saving thousands in the process.”
