HARROGATE Spring has been named as the number one bottled water brand in the UK’s £2.7 billion food service soft drinks category and the number eight soft drinks brand in the sector.

Value growth of more than 20 per cent last year, five times the overall category, has seen Harrogate Spring leapfrog soft drinks Lucozade and Oasis.

Sales and marketing director Rob Pickering said: “With a retail value of more than £48 million, we are the leading bottled water brand in food service. On current growth forecasts, we are on course to rise to number six in a list dominated by multi-national giants Coca Cola and Pepsi.”

Mr Pickering believes effective branding, excellent customer service and strong environmental credentials are behind the food service success, with recent wins in restaurants and hotels where the company’s premium glass offering is also a key facet, playing a significant part. Harrogate is the fastest-growing glass brand.