Rebel Kitchen acquires Unoco to continue growth

Rebel Kitchen said Unoco “perfectly complemented”​ its current range of coconut drinks and shared its ethos of using fewer ingredients direct from nature, with no additives, preservatives or refined sugars.

It has begun work with design agency B&B Studios to rebrand the product as its own, hoping to launch the new product in the spring.

Rebel Kitchen co-founder Tamara Arbib said she was thrilled to have acquired Unoco.

Better health on a mass scale ​

“We have strong aspirations to effect consumer change towards better health on a mass scale and the addition of Unoco to our portfolio provides us with more opportunity for greater reach. It is an important time in the company’s evolution and we are very excited about the future.” ​

The Unoco team will join the Rebel Kitchen staff at its London offices to ensure the smooth transition of the new company into the business.

Rebel Kitchen launched in 2014 and had a turnover of £525,000 last year. Its projected turnover for year two was £1.1M, with the acquisition of Unoco taking this to a combined turnover of £1.85M.

Growth​

Co-founder and financial director Ben Arbib said: “We’re expecting to see our 100% year-on-year growth continue with the acquisition of Unoco.​

“Through this acquisition we can accelerate the growth of the business even more rapidly and take our products to a wider audience by broadening the Rebel Kitchen offering.”​

Unoco is listed with Ocado, Waitrose, Itsu, EAT and a number of independent outlets. Rebel Kitchen is currently listed with Waitrose, Ocado, Tesco and independents outlets.

Rebel Kitchen is also planning to launch various new products in 2016 to widen its appeal and inspire consumers to trial the brand, it claimed.

Tamara Arbib was honoured with the NatWest everywoman brand of the future award​ in recognition of Rebel Kitchen’s quick rise to success.