Dash secures £7m investment and names new chairman
The seltzer brand has attracted investment Grind & Co chief executive and founder David Abrahamovitch and ex-international footballer Patrice Evra.
Dash planned to use the investment to fund their growth in Australia, widen its distribution channels and continue to drive its direct to consumer sales.
Co-founder Alex Wright said: “Both the new investment and the appointment of a Chairman of David’s statue gives us a huge opportunity to achieve our goals of fighting the issue of food waste and giving a fresh perspective to unhealthy soft drinks, not just in the UK but on a global scale – we’re just getting started.”
Milner named chairman
The funding round also heralded the appointment of Milner as Dash’s new chairman.
Currently the chief executive of bakery business St. Pierre Groupe – a role he took in August 2020 – Milner previously served as chief executive of pet food brand Lily’s Kitchen, which he help sell to Nestlé Purina in a deal worth £100m.
Milner also oversaw the £300m sale of snacking brand Tyrells to US firm Amplify Snacks in 2016 and has held a number of other senior roles within food and drink businesses.
Commenting on his appointment, Milner said: “DASH is an extraordinary business. From a standing start it has achieved significant traction in the UK and has the appeal to be equally relevant in global markets.
Driving growth
“The brand has the sort of credentials which could not be more suited to the world of today – outstanding taste, zero calories and exceptional sustainable accreditation. I am delighted to be joining as Chairman and to help drive the growth of this exciting drinks brand.”
Founded by Jack Scott and Alex Wright in 2017, Dash uses wonky fruit and vegetables that have been rejected by supermarkets to “infuse water with a dash of flavour” that is free from sugar, sweeteners and has zero calories.
Scott added: “As a certified B-Corp and as part of our commitment to reduce food waste and the environmental impact of our business, we celebrate wonky fruit to make delicious and healthy drinks. Reducing food waste is regarded by experts to be the third most effective weapon we have in the fight against climate change.
“Most importantly this wouldn’t be possible without our loyal customers and investors - our biggest fans and advocates. We’re stoked to be adding our new investors to the Dash family and are excited to be working alongside an industry titan like David (Milner) too.”
