Young Aberdeen entrepreneur launches health-focused drink brand

A young Aberdeen entrepreneur is preparing to launch what he believes is the first drink of its kind to be made in Scotland.

Kane Edwards is the founder of SPOT Drinks, a new health-focused brand aimed at delivering energy using “clean” natural ingredients.

The 28-year-old has spent the past 18 months developing his product with it due to come to market next month.

The former Aboyne Primary pupil believes he’s developed a “unique” product with his authentic South American caffeinated drink yerba mate.

‘Long-term goal’

Yerba mate is a traditional South American herbal drink made from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis holly tree.

Naturally high in caffeine, it is known for providing what many describe as a “gentle” but sustained energy boost due to its combination of caffeine, theobromine and antioxidants.

Kane, who attended Aboyne Academy, said: “Developing my own brand has been a long-term goal.

“I wanted to create something unique.

“As a young person I’ve always been partial to a juice, coffee, energy drinks or iced tea, and really wanted to bring something to the market that is genuinely beneficial, doesn’t rely on a single ingredient and takes a fully holistic approach to beverage production.”

SPOT Drinks focuses on clean energy

The first product, Sol Maté, was selected after testing more than 50 different ingredient profiles.

Kane said early feedback has been positive.

“Reaction has been great so far, especially from friends that have taste tested,” he said.

“Everyone says it’s nothing like anything else on the market and it’s refreshing to have a drink in your hand that feels actually natural and real.”

SPOT Drinks blends traditional botanicals and teas – including dandelion and burdock, yerba mate and elderberry – with functional adaptogens such as lion’s mane and cordyceps mushrooms. The drink is made without additives.

Kane, who previously ran his own cafe in Edinburgh, said: “The dream is to have a beverage company that people can genuinely trust is good for them, and isn’t selling overhyped ingredients or trends.

Ambition to open cafe

SPOT Drinks will initially be sold online and through independent cafes and retailers in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Glasgow, before scaling production in Scotland.

Kane, who has been supported by The Open University through its enterprise and startup support schemes, said: “Future plans involve scaling production so that I can be self-sufficient whilst also being able to re-invest in the company as much as possible.

“I want to create a merchandise line to go alongside and in the future definitely open up another cafe/restaurant that follows along the holistic approach I want to share with the world.”

[Source: Press and Journal]