Antrim based sales and distribution company GM Marketing toast a ‘seriously’ great start to 2011 by being appointed as the route to the Irish market for the UK’s fastest growing soft drinks brand – Vimto.

The company who specialises in selling and distributing leading grocery and pharmacy brands have partnered with iconic soft drinks brand Vimto to launch its tasty range of fruit drinks throughout the island of Ireland.

GM intends to replicate the success the brand has had in the UK, where it has grown rapidly and is now enjoyed in 4.6 million households. It has grown three times faster than the market, doubling in size over the last five years.

Vimto’s growth has not only been down to its great tasting unique flavour but also its engaging ‘Seriously Mixed Up Fruit’ marketing campaign that captured the attention of its core teen market.  This year it will be investing £6.5million in a nationwide marketing campaign that will include heavyweight consumer T.V, radio and digital advertising complimented by an extensive sampling and P.R. campaign in Ireland to create a big thirst for its products in time for the summer.

Vimto National Account Manager, Helen Webb said: ‘‘We are very excited about launching the brand in Ireland and we feel that the potential for the brand is huge.  We are delighted that we have partnered with a company that has the same energy and enthusiasm for the brand that we have.  GM Marketing also has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the FMCG market place, so it’s a great partnership.’’

GM Marketing Managing Director, Gerard McAdorey added: ‘‘Vimto is a well established brand enjoyed in 65 countries around the world, so we are very confident that the brand will be a success in Ireland.  The initial response that we have received from the trade has been excellent.  The product is fantastic and so is the ‘Seriously Mixed Up Fruit’’ campaign so we are excited about the partnership and the opportunities ahead.’’

Vimto is a fruity mix of raspberry, blackcurrant and grape that is available in dilutable, carbonated and ready to drink formats. All of these formats will be available to Irish consumers with GM Marketing already securing listings in key retail groups including Henderson’s, Musgrave’s, Costcutter, Nisa and Dunnes Stores.