Drinks manufacturer and distributor Global Brands has reported a 19.5% increase in sales with  turnover reaching £50m in 2018.

The independent drinks producer sold 60 million drinks, while its gross profit rose from £11.8m for 2016-2017 to £14m for 2017-2018.

With a strong demand for its drinks in Belgium, Italy and South Africa, Global Brands saw total year-on-year exports growing by 21%.

The company sold more than two million canned cocktails under its’ premium ‘All Shook Up’ brand in ten months, exceeding predicted targets.

Global Brands also reported strong sales of Franklin & Sons tonics, mixer and soft drinks after adding the ‘Flavour Collection’ and three infused sodas, with  total sales volumes growing by 101% for the year ending 30 September 2018.

In the previous financial year ending 30 September 2017, the independent drinks producer recorded sales of 16%, with an increased turnover of £42m.

Founder and chairman, Steve Perez said: “The drinks industry is so strangled by needless bureaucracy, it limits original ideas. Our company growth is being driven by an innovative and entrepreneurial team that’s encouraged to do things differently.

“They’re constantly looking at how they can create new drinks that justify a place on supermarket shelves and in the fridges of bars, late-night venues and restaurants around the world.

“The team’s innovative thinking is rooted in what consumers want and working with our customers to quickly meet demand. It led to the creation of premium canned cocktail All Shook Up, which is now a top seller in one of the UK’s largest supermarkets.

“Drinkstragramming and other social media trends mean drinks now need to look as good as they taste. This drives sales. Premium quality tasting drinks, packaged in sleek and stylish cans meant that we exceeded original sales targets for All Shook Up, selling more than 2 million cans in just ten months following launch.”

Selling to 58 countries worldwide, Global Brands’ ‘All Shook Up’ range consists of three canned cocktail flavours,  including ‘Flamingo Colada’ , Passionfruit Martini and Espresso Martini.