A LEADING drinks company in North Yorkshire is creating 20 new jobs in its production, sales, marketing, quality and accounts departments.

Harrogate Water Brands, the independent owner of Harrogate Spring, and the official water of England Cricket and Royal Ascot, has announced a jobs rise of 40 per cent.

The growth of the company, which has seen them invest £8million in a production facility, has also allowed them to use their British roots to take advantage of expanding markets in the Far East and Middle East.

James Cain, managing director, said: “Strong demand in both home and export markets has led to our biggest ever recruitment drive.

"Overall, the business has grown 30 per cent in the last year, vastly out-performing market growth of nine per cent, while exports have grown by 50 per cent.

"Export demand has been driven by our classic British identity which has seen us penetrate new markets in the Far East and Middle East.

"This year, we have won our biggest international distribution deal making Harrogate Spring available in supermarkets across the Gulf Arab States."

Harrogate Spring is a British premium spring water with a spa history dating back to 1571.

It is the original British bottled water and was first bottled in 1740.

Today, the Harrogate range is presented in distinctive diamond patterned bottles, reflecting the brand as well as providing a standout appearance.

Ashraf Ali, executive director of Middle Eastern retail giant LuLu International, said: “Since first becoming aware of Harrogate Spring, we have been impressed by its strong British identity and illustrious heritage.

"We are excited to be representing the Original British Bottled Water and have ambitious plans to introduce Harrogate into many different channels.”

Mr Cain added: "With England Cricket, Ascot Racecourse and Royal Ascot, we have achieved significant brand equity.

"Investment in a new £8 million production facility has given us the capacity to grow the business further as we seek to expand into new home and export markets.”