FATHER AND son business duo Ivor and Eugene Patterson are on a mission to transform what many people think of energy drinks.

The Pattinsons, founders of the energy drinks brand revibed, say  they are passionate about challenging industry doubters who say it’s not possible to create a sugar-free product that also tastes good.

Revibed uses natural ingredients and superfoods such as hibiscus, ginger and lime while also avoiding the use of sugars and hidden additives.

The product is set to expand into new stores, including Co-op and potentially Sainsbury’s in 2024 and the duo are planning international exports.

The roots of their growing business can be traced back to the family kitchen.

“I often made sorrel with my own family twist for special occasions, and often got great feedback” Ivor reveals. “But Eugene recognized the commercial potential of our recipe after he went traveling in South Asia. He noted the popularity and health benefits of hibiscus which is a big part of our sorrel recipe. This led us to consider commercialising with a healthy twist which was to exclude any sugar.”

Despite a lack of experience in the drinks sector Ivor had studied Business Studies in the late 80s whilst Eugene went on to study business management and entrepreneurship at university.

The product was launched during the Covid lockdown.

“The name ‘revibed’  blends the words “revive” and ‘vibes’ which reflect our message about the drink’s health benefits and a positive hydration experience” says Eugene.

Challenges

However creating an energy drink without sugar that would resonate with a mass market was not without its challenges.

“Some experts in the food and beverage industry suggested we include sugar in the drinks to broaden our market appeal” Ivor recalls.

“But we made a conscious decision not to add sugar because we wanted to elevate people’s lives and stay true to our mission. Sugar contributes to serious health issues, such as diabetes.”

After they found a manufacturer that supported an affordable  production run the pair’s journey from cherished family recipe to emerging drinks brand that won praise from industry experts was marked by a number of key milestones.

This included gaining shelf space in over 30 independent stores and winning a number of high-profile food contests including a Dragons Den-style event, the Farm Shop & Deli Show, which saw them featured in major food publications and a partnership with Virgin Atlantic.

Revibed now offers three naturally superfood-infused flavours of drink:  peach and hibiscus with ginseng and guarana; passionfruit and ginger with black peppercorn and turmeric, and raspberry and acai berry with green matcha and ashwagandha.

“In a world filled with sugary beverages, revibed can nurture well-being by offering a healthier alternative” says Ivor. “To stand out, we will focus on unique flavours, transparent ingredient sourcing, and a brand message centred around positivity and health.”