Interview with Nick Reid, Co-Founder of Balearic Drinks Ltd

What was your inspiration behind founding Balearic Drinks Ltd?

My inspiration has always been to challenge the global drinks conglomerates and highlight Ibiza’s most iconic brands.

What lead to the ground-breaking luxury collaboration of Café del Mar Spirts?

We wanted to secure the most memorable and nostalgic brand that really connected and helped tell the storey of Ibiza. We approached the team at Café del Mar with The Spirit of the Sunset concept and the rest was history.

What makes your company stand out as exceptional in the marketplace?

Balearic Drinks Ltd is a unique business. We fill a niche supporting global brands with a turnkey drinks portfolio. We also give our brands the retail recognition and design investment they deserve – that’s fundamental to standing out. Our brands have developed a truly international fan base over years of trading – we understand how to convert and connect that heritage through our exceptional range of spirit collaborations.

Who do you see as your typically drinking your spirits?

It’s a lifestyle product - those who seek premium, fantastic tasting spirits that connect them back to the brands and place they love the most – Ibiza!

Who is your next collaboration with?

We are launching a beautiful trio of spirits for one of Ibiza’s most exciting and lifestyle driven beach club concepts this summer.

What principles does your company operate on to ensure it delivers a world-class offering?

In a nutshell our drinks have to be retailready and stay true to our brand partners. We are not your typical licensing business – we invest substantially in ensuring our products stand out on shelf and scream identity. Our global partners, from design, distilling, distributing and marketing are heavyweight, results driven and internationally focused operators and have the ability to scale fast. With the Café del Mar collection I am in no doubt we have achieved a word class extension to product and brand.

How does Balearic Drinks Ltd help make eco-friendly brands?

We give back to where it all began – Ibiza. Through our strategic partner Ibiza Preservation, each bottle sold raises money and awareness to save the island; to protect its natural flora and fauna, to preserve the seagrasses and shoreline and to ensure everyone can visit a place of unsurpassed beauty and enjoy those famous sunsets and crystal-clear waters for generations to come. Our products are completely plastic free and our distilling operations B-CORP and carbon neutral.

Can you tell us about some of the most remarkable experiences since the start of your company?

It’s always the first sale! 12-18 months of development, design and brand work with huge investment in suppliers and stock – nothing beats the experience of knowing your products can compete and will be enjoyed by thousands of people all over the world.

Where do you see Balearic Drinks in five years’ time?

That’s impossible to say but the single most important goal is we build a competitive and exclusive drinks business that rewards both our brand partners (through licensing revenue) and their/our customers (through quality, brand connection and lifestyle). Our operating model is scalable and our brands are globally recognised - so it’s an extremely exciting time for our business and our partners.

General Manager appointed for new £30m Mercure Paignton Hotel

With the opening of Mercure Paignton, the Accor Group has announced its appointment of Jason Parry as the new General Manager.

The latest addition to world leading brand Accor’s global portfolio of 5,300 franchised properties, the Mercure Paignton is a new seafront art-deco inspired hotel owned by Singapore-based Fragrance Group, franchised by the world class Accor group and operated by RBH Hospitality.

Jason brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and hotel industry to the new role, having previously held senior roles with the Grand Hotel and the Imperial Hotel in Torquay and the St Ives Harbour Hotel. Prior to his latest appointment, he held the position of Senior General Manager for Devon with the Harbour Hotels Group, which he joined 13 years ago.

Jason says: “The Mercure Paignton hotel is a hugely exciting project for me, as it offers leisure and business guests and diners an experience like no other on the Riviera.

“I am delighted to be at the helm, as we work hard to grow our team, deliver a successful launch, provide a high quality guest experience and establish a strong presence in Torbay and the South West.”

Having worked across a range of operations, including negotiation, catering, budgeting and food and beverage, Jason has a demonstrated record of hotel management and negotiating strong sales. He also has close ties to the region, having lived in the area for many years and previously studied at South Devon College, where he acquired a Hotel Management Diploma in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management.

The Mercure Paignton and the Ibis Styles hotel, due to open on the seafront later this year, signifies an investment from the Fragrance Group in the local area of £30m.

Jason comments: “In addition to enhancing Paignton’s appeal for visitors from across the South West region and the UK, the hotels are set to deliver many benefits for the local economy, such as a boost for Riviera tourism and employment for local people.

“The Fragrance Group’s investment in the local economy demonstrates Executive Chairman and CEO Mr Koh’s confidence in the regional market and in Paignton, and the English Riviera, as a popular UK visitor and leisure destination.”

Please click here to find out more about the Mercure Paignton and book a stay.

Please click here to find out more about Mercure Hotels