Obituary: John Halewood - Built up the drinks company that owns Crabbie’s, shirt sponsor of Hibernian FC

JOHN Halewood was a dedicated businessman who built up a proudly independent drinks company Halewood International, in just under 30 years. Halewood’s main business is principally in the United Kingdom, supplying major retailers and wholesalers as well as distributing specialist wine and spirit to stores.

Halewood’s own success in business was reflected in his passion for horse racing, especially steeple chasing. His enthusiasm was rewarded when his horse, Amberleigh House, trained by Ginger McCain – the legendary trainer of Red Rum – won the 2004 Aintree Grand National.

His joy was unconfined as millions witnessed in the Winner’s Enclosure that Saturday afternoon. Halewood brought that same enthusiasm and commitment to his business career; he was recognised as an inspiring figure and hailed as a visionary entrepreneur.

Earlier this year Halewood announced that one of its subsidiaries, John Crabbie & Co, was to become the official shirt sponsor of Hibernian. It was an entirely appropriate deal as Crabbie, famous for its Crabbie’s Ginger Wine, was established in Leith in 1801. Announcing the deal in March Halewood said: “We are thrilled to be appointed as official sponsor of Hibernian FC. We hope to become true supporters, not just a name on the shirt.”

Both the club and Halewood were keen to encourage the Hibernian Academy players and the ladies sides. The deal was also carefully put together so that advertising alcohol on children’s replica kits will not be an issue; the kids’ shirts will bear the John Crabbies non-alcoholic labels. Halewood was keen to demonstrate his own enthusiastic support for investment in Scottish sport.

“As brand owners,” Halewood concluded, “We feel it is important to recognise the rich heritage of this unique brand and we hope that, alongside Hibernian, the Crabbie’s brand can grow and be successful over the coming seasons.”

Showing a striking flair for business John Halewood, who was born in Liverpool, built up Halewood International – originally known as Halewood Vintners – from being a small Yorkshire-based company which he founded in 1978 with his mother Eileen.

His mother died last year but by then the company was one of the UK’s largest drinks manufacturer and distributors with a turnover in excess of £250 million per annum and employing more than 1,500 workers worldwide.

Halewood had the vision and drive to expand his company into being one of the most adventurous and commercially innovative in the drinks industry. His own energy to see the company prosper was maintained to the end and Halewood was, at the time of his death, the company’s chief executive and major shareholder.

Over the years he had bought and refined the marketing strategies of such household brands as Lambrini, Lamb’s Navy Rum, Tsingtao Chinese Beer, Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer, Red Square Vodka and Reloaded.

Halewood was particularly associated with the building up of Lambrini, which Halewood initially marketed as a wine with the beguiling slogan, “Lambrini girls just wanna have fun”.

Halewood was keen to increase the company’s sales abroad and shrewdly guided his company into forward-looking expansion in such growth markets as China, Romania and South Africa. The latter venture was typical of Halewood’s style and business foresight. When he purchased the South African division it was a loss-making concern but within a few years Halewood turned it round with some fresh marketing techniques. The division is now contributing to the parent company’s profits.

Racing had been a passion for Halewood since, as boy, his father took him to Aintree and he put five bob each way on an outsider. More recently, Halewood watched the races from his own box in the Queen Mother’s stand overlooking the winning post. When Amberleigh House won the National it was as if a dream had come true for Halewood. He loved all the horses that he owned – winners or losers. But he was particularly proud and attached to the first horse he owned, Highland Gold, which won its first five races.

Halewood recently demonstrated his thirst to develop new businesses challenges when he established in 1998 HiFX, a foreign exchange dealing concern operating from Windsor. It provides banking facilities and foreign services to individuals and corporate customers. It has recently expanded its operations into New Zealand.

His contribution to Hibs was recognised yesterday when a club official told The Scotsman: “Everyone associated with Hibernian was deeply saddened with the passing of John Halewood. He had an infectious enthusiasm for the team, and was very proud of strengthening the historical links the Crabbie’s brand has with Leith through the club.

“He will be sadly missed around Easter Road, and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and colleagues at Halewood International.”

Halewood was a much respected figure both in the world of commerce and sport. He had made his own fortune through a devotion to work and a canny business mind.

Only last month he was recalling the eventful life of Ginger McCain, a trainer who he had supported for many years.

He had also hosted a party for his partner, Judy Eaton, who survives him. ALASDAIR STEVEN