Gloucestershire-based distributors CM Downton's partnership with Fever-Tree has proved a tonic to the soft drinks company with its business growing by more than 100 per cent this year.

Since winning the contract with Fever-Tree, the Moreton-Valance-based logistics group has supported the market-leading supplier of premium carbonated drinks through another period of remarkable growth.

During the first half of 2017 Fever-Tree's UK business grew by 113 per cent.

Stewart Bray, supply chain director, said: "Partnering with Downton has allowed us to continue to deliver an exceptional level of service to our customers throughout a period of strong growth.

"Downton's strong footprint in the UK drinks market alongside the new warehousing facility has enabled us to consolidate shipments and optimise customer deliveries, and offers us a strong platform to continue to underpin the business in the coming years."

Launched just 11 years ago, Fever-Tree is now the world's leading supplier of premium carbonated mixers by retail sales value and one of the fastest growing drinks businesses. Its products are served in nine of the world's top 10 restaurants.

Downton was awarded the UK distribution contract following a competitive tender process, with the company's experience in working with other drinks businesses being a major factor in the decision.

The company operates the contract from its new 170,000sq ft Sharpness distribution centre.

Downton offers a comprehensive logistics solution including managing primary transport from two main manufacturing locations, warehousing up to 10,000 pallets across an increasing range of Fever-Tree products and distribution to a broad range of customers throughout the UK.

The two businesses have worked together to ensure the operation continues to meet the challenges associated with growing volumes.

Processes have developed and evolved since the beginning of the operation and the two companies have established EDI links. They expect that these and other soon-to-be-implemented communication enhancements will continue to drive efficiency and remove time and complexity from the picking and despatch processes.

"We look to build partnerships with all our suppliers rather than just a transactional relationship. By working together we can continue to optimise the service our customers receive," said Stewart.

Downton employs approximately 1,350 people at 12 distribution hubs strategically located throughout the UK and operates 600 tractor units and 1,800 trailers.

It came in at number 15 in Punchline's recent list of Gloucestershire's 100 biggest employers.

Caption: A CM Downton delivery lorry (above) and Fever-Tree's top-selling tonic water