A CHRISTCHURCH-based iced coffee brand has been bought by a soft drink giant.

Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, which is the fastest growing ready-to-drink iced coffee brand in the industry, has been added to Britvic’s portfolio.

Jimmy’s was founded by siblings Jim Cregan and Suzie Owen in 2010.

It was first sold in Selfridges in 2011 and has grown into a highly respected brand that cares for the environment, receiving its certification as a B Corporation.

The drinks are sold in 250ml cans or the UK’s first 275ml BottleCan, both of which are recyclable.

The drink is stocked in over 7,000 independent stores and supermarkets nationwide, with a Jimmy’s sold every 2.5 seconds, 24/7.

Bournemouth Echo: Jimmy's Iced Coffee founders Jim Cregan and Suzie Owen.

Jim and Suzie will continue to be involved in the business as brand ambassadors. They will help to support the transition, providing advice on brand direction and future innovation.

They will ensure the company’s core values and ethos continues to drive the brand.

Britvic owns 37 brands including Fruit Shoot, Tango and J2O, and has exclusive licences with PepsiCo to produce and sell its drinks in Britain.

Jim said: “We are so delighted with this deal which is the culmination of twelve years of monumental hard work by my sister and I.

“We have poured our heart and souls into making this business what it is today and we feel so fortunate that Britvic is now able to take Jimmy’s to places about which we could only dream.

“We are excited to watch the next chapter of the journey unfold and look forward to Jimmy’s Iced coffee becoming even more well known and enjoyed.”

Britvic plans to further accelerate the company’s growth and increase its distribution, while increasing its cost efficiency.

Simon Litherland, Britvic CEO, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jimmy’s Iced Coffee to our portfolio of much-loved Britvic brands.

“The focus on innovation, great taste with fewer calories, and fully recyclable packaging makes Jimmy’s a perfect fit for Britvic.

“We have a long track-record of acquiring and developing brands, and I am confident in our ability to quickly expand our position in the iced coffee category – which is an exciting and fast-growing market segment.”