Coca-Cola deal spurs Vimto firm’s Stirling move

Soft drinks distributor Nichols Dispense has moved to enlarged premises in Stirling as it prepares for expansion following a “landmark” deal with Coca-Cola.

Nick Yates is planning to drive up the firm's on-trade sales. Picture: Contributed

The company – a subsidiary of Vimto maker Nichols based in Merseyside – becomes the first independent supplier of Coca-Cola on draught in Scotland, adding to existing exclusive deals for brands including Irn-Bru and Sunkist. It distributes these and other licensed brands, along with Nichols’ own range of drinks, to pubs, clubs, schools and leisure outlets throughout the country.

To support the deal, Nichols Dispense has moved from Dunblane to a new 10,000 square foot depot in Stirling that will double its distribution capacity. The new facility will continue operating alongside an existing satellite depot in Aberdeen.

The move is part of a UK-wide growth strategy being spearheaded for Nichols Dispense by newly-appointed trading director Nick Yates. A former manager within distiller Pernod Ricard, Yates will focus on growing sales in the on-trade market, where the company also provides equipment, installation and maintenance services.

Yates said: “Nichols Dispense Scotland has a fantastic portfolio with the network and quality service to back it up. The deal with Coca-Cola only adds to our credibility as the leading supplier in the market and expansion through a bigger depot enables us to capitalise on the significant opportunities for growth.”

Nichols Dispense is the UK’s largest independent supplier of draught soft drinks.