Slush Puppie, a UK-based ice crystal drinks business, has bought interests in its long-term partner in France and Benelux – Beverage Concepts Benelux (BCB).

This merger is a part of the company’s strategy to expand its ice crystal drinks business across Europe.

Established in 1999, BCB handles distribution partner of Slush Puppie for its Ice Crystal Drinks brand offering equipment, product and service to retailers.

Beverage Concepts Benelux director Pieter Corstiaans said that the company has been a partner of Slush Puppie for many years now and are delighted to be part of their long term plans.

"We hope that being part of the wider European arm of Slush Puppie Ltd will allow our business and staff to gain new opportunities in the Ice Crystals Drinks market," Corstiaans added.

Following this merger, Corstiaans continue as the general manager to look after the Dutch and French arm of Slush Puppie.

In addition, Slush Puppie will invest more than £8m in infrastructure, staff and equipment in the future.

Slush Puppie european operations director Julian Reid said that Slush Puppie has market-leading infrastructure across the UK and Western Europe, enabling the company to further invest in its brands, people, customer programs, and new opportunities for frozen beverages in these markets.

"We are excited about the strengths and knowledge we can gain from the BCB business and they will be an asset to our current infrastructure," Reid added.