Hi °C | Lo °C A Northern Ireland company has developed a new soft drink with the assistance of Invest Northern Ireland, which it hopes to export.
Aloe Burst, a blend of aloe vera and spring water, has been developed by the Natural Import Company (NIC) from Portrush.
It hopes to launch an export programme later this year.
Chris Martin, NIC managing director, formed the company last year to develop and launch the soft drink.
Speaking about the product he said: "Aloe Burst is unique in that we puree our Aloe in Northern Ireland.
"The pure artesian spring water used has been filtered through the basalt hills of Antrim for hundreds of years giving Aloe Burst its unrivalled natural purity.
"Customers can count on the provenance of what is essentially a home grown, natural soft drink. It's produced without any artificial colours or flavours and is also fat-free.
"We are currently working with a well known mixologist and bar industry expert to create the 'perfect serve' for Aloe Burst and create a range of completely unique cocktails.
"We are certain Aloe Burst will be the best tasting and most versatile mixer to hit the bar scene in decades."
Support for the marketing of the product was announced by Maynard Mawhinney, Invest NI's food director, who said: "Our assistance has enabled this small and ambitious company to develop attractive branding and eye catching promotional materials and to line up distribution deals in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
"It is now in discussions with potential representatives in Britain and has received approaches from distant markets such as Australia.
"The company is a further example of market-led innovation which underpins the local food and drink industry, innovation being recognised increasingly in markets outside Northern Ireland."
