What is In Drinks Catalyst?
It is a start-up business accelerator competition for drinks brands which will be judged at ‘In Drinks’ - the new national trade show for the drinks sector which takes place at the SEC in Glasgow on 8th and 9th March 2023.
I have a new drinks brand. Do I qualify for the competition?
Your product must trade through a private company which has been registered in the UK at Companies House after 1 December 2019. Products made overseas but which trade from the UK also qualify. If you are not sure, please contact the In Drinks team at KDMedia Ltd on 0131 337 6232.
How much does it cost to enter?
A one-off non-refundable registration fee of £49 + VAT applies per company.
How do I enter?
Visit www.indrinkscatalyst.com and read the Entry Guidelines. Download the Entry Guide and then fill in the form online and click submit before Thursday 26 January 2023.
Please send samples of your product to In Drinks c/o Johnston Carmichael, 7-11 Melville Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7PE during business hours. Please make sure all product is received before close of business on Thursday 26 January 2023.
Late entries can not be accepted as judging commences on Monday 30 January 2023.
What should I say in my written entry?
Tell us your story. How did your drinks brand come to fruition? What is your inspiration, vision and ambition? Support your entry with an open and honest look at your journey to date and with a clear plan for the future. Send us copies of any images, links to websites and logos.
My company is more than three years old, but I have a new drinks brand which has just launched, do I qualify?
In Drinks Catalyst is intended for start up businesses. Product launches won’t qualify, sorry.
How will the winners be chosen?
Judges will choose finalists at a judging day on Monday 30 January. All selected finalists will receive a free stand in the In Drinks Catalyst zone of the In Drinks Show which takes place at the SEC, Glasgow on 8th and 9th March 2023. You will receive notification if you have made it to the finals by Friday 3 February 2023.
All finalists will be invited to pitch their business on the Main Stage at the In Drinks Show in a short slot of around 6-8 minutes long on 8th March 2023. Winners will be announced during on Day 2 of the show 9th March 2023.
I want to enter but I can’t make it to Glasgow on 8th and 9th March, can I still apply?
Yes, but you will need to send someone to pitch your business on stage and also look after your stock and your stand during both days of the show.
I want to enter but I have already bought a stand at In Drinks. What should I do?
Enter as normal and we will be in touch with you on 3 February 2023 to advise the next steps. If you are selected as a finalist you will have the option to move to a pallet bar in the In Drinks Catalyst zone.
What do we get if we win?
Judges are supporting two winners in 2023. You will receive 12 months of business advice, mentoring and introductions. You will also receive award winning branding to use in your marketing and publicity support from the marketing team at In Drinks. With a panel of supporters, including introductions to recommended distributors, our winners will receive a major step up in growth brought about by experienced business advice, ideas and support.
When will I find out if we are a finalist?
All entrants will be contacted on Friday 3 February 2023.
If we are a finalist, where will our free stand be at In Drinks?
In a dedicated zone for the In Drinks Catalyst finalists. A full show floorplan will be available on In-Drinks.com in January.
I’m not sure if we should enter, who can I speak to for more information?
Call the In Drinks Team at KDMedia on 0131 337 6232 and we will be delighted to help.
In Drinks and In Drinks Catalyst are trademarks of KDMedia Ltd, registered in Scotland SC244168